Technology - 6 min read
Since its invention 20 years ago, 3D printing has been used to create unique products across multiple industries. The realm of possibility for 3D printed structures has continued to expand over time. From medical devices to sculptures and even furniture, 3D printed objects are becoming common in our daily lives.
This is why it comes as no surprise that entire homes can now be built from 3D printing. In the construction sector, 3D printed structures are the new trend, and they allow builders to save on costs, reduce material wastage, and cut down construction times.
3D printing is the process of creating 3-dimensional objects from digital sketches. The connection between the digital and physical space is significantly reduced- and builders can create innovative structures that their clients love.
Just a few years ago, the thought of 3D-printed buildings and homes was more science fiction than reality. However, the first fully 3D-printed home was completed in just 48hours in Milan (in 2018). The efficiency with which this structure was built goes to show how much value 3D printing can provide. Robots automate much of the design process, and they can be programmed to operate in an energy-efficient, unique, and quick manner. Furthermore, builders can design advanced digital sketches that reflect the evolving needs of customers.
Commercial builders are among the biggest beneficiaries of 3D printing. During any commercial construction project, the list of materials, processes, and workflows can be significant. And while construction software helps, you can only save so much when purchasing building materials.
3D printing has changed how commercial project planning and implementation takes place. 3D printed materials can be produced in-house and at a much lower cost. You also have more options, being limited only by the digital sketches and filament that you have available. And by outsourcing some of your commercial 3D printing work to a qualified subcontractor, you can accelerate workflows and deliver innovative projects for your clients.
3D printing is also being used to produce commercial infrastructure. Bridges, walls, and steel support beams are being printed in various cities around the world. Robots can also be used to lay down bricks, create prefabricated components, and improve accuracy. Collaboration will be much easier to achieve on the worksite due to less personnel and more efficient workflows.
As a commercial builder, you may be wondering whether investing in 3D printing technology is worth it. Construction companies, their subcontractors, and clients are often lagging when implementing innovative workflows. So if your company is still sceptical regarding 3D printing, you should know that this is the new trend in product design.
3D printing has evolved from being used for small structures such as toys, furniture, and dishware. In 2019, 3D printed buildings, infrastructure, and machines are becoming increasingly common. But how can your commercial building company benefit from this technology?
Imagine being able to design and produce an entire floor without wasting concrete, steel beams, or other materials. 3D printing is perhaps the most accurate way of reducing material wastage during any construction project.
Each robot is carefully programmed to produce components in the right shape, size, and dimensions. Therefore, the likelihood of wasting limited resources is significantly reduced and you can also boost energy efficiency during the process. Builders no longer have to rely on bulky and inefficient machines that cost thousands of dollars to maintain every month.
3D printed materials are also reusable. You can tear down a structure, pack the components, and reassemble them in a new site. Such flexibility means that less waste will end up in landfills, and the cost of building across multiple sites will be much lower.
In a world where environmental sustainability is a common goal across multiple industries, 3D printing plays a new role in reuse and recycling initiatives within the construction sector.
Every 3D printed structure begins with a digital sketch. These sketches can be designed, modified, and produced in many different ways. The digital sketches from 3D printing expand the realm of possibilities that you can use to design a final structure. Only your sketch and robot can limit what you can produce during 3D printing.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of 3D printed structures is that they can be produced in only a fraction of the amount of time than a regular building takes. This means that you can handle more projects at the same time, satisfy your client's expectations, and reduce operational costs.
Robots and 3D printing are the future of commercial construction. The sooner your business embraces digital, the more likely you'll be to enjoy the benefits of 3D printing technology.
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