You might agree, or not – 3D printers have changed households and industries. Today, you can create three-dimensional objects for your home or office work. Say hello to the advancement of 3D printing! 3D printing is useful when you plan to manufacture and prototype complex components because of additive manufacturing.
3D printers rose during the 1980s, but it was expensive and a hassle to operate at that time. Hence, people had few uses for it. But that changed in 2000 when the machine became affordable and straightforward. Now, 3D printers are essential tools you can use for tool manufacture, product design, plastics, consumer electronics, and even construction.
For the construction industry, people are using 3D printing systems or construction 3D printers. (We’ll talk about how our 3d printers used in construction later.)
How Do 3D Printers Work for Construction?
Like most 3D printers, construction 3D printers read the design of a model and lay down layers of print medium. Many printing mediums are suitable for three-dimensional printing models such as powder, liquid, or sheet material.
Depending on the method you’re using, the printer can build multiple components, colors, and materials at once.
High-resolution subtractive processes can increase the accuracy of the print. The process allows you to remove material from the oversized printed model. You can use other techniques, such as using dissolvable materials.
Note: Metal is a little expensive to print. You can print a mold that’s more cost-effective than metal. The 3D printing process might be slow, depending on the technique and method you’re using.
Using 3D Printers in Construction
No doubt about it – 3D printers are on the rise. You don’t only find a 3D printer in a factory or laboratory. Today, the construction industry finds a 3D printer reliable in many ways. Even if you don’t understand much about the construction industry, you would agree that 3D printers produce a big change.
So, how are 3d printers used in construction today?
3D printers play an important role in creating construction components such as homes or buildings. 3D printers use an accurate process that produces small and complex details of a model. Large buildings that have different sizes and designs are difficult to build because of its intricate parts and diverse measurements.
3D printers use computer-aided manufacturing that makes the printing process precise and accurate. Recent constructions of homes and buildings would be easier and faster than before because of 3D printers.
You can expect an accurate and fast construction of buildings and apartments due to 3D printing technology effectiveness.
These 3D printers also lower labor costs in construction sites. Hence, constructors and companies would save money in building a large edifice. That’s not all.
Since 3D printers use advanced materials such as steel and plastics, the 3D printing process is eco-friendly. Don’t worry about too much waste produced by construction sites because those wastes would be lessened.
Thanks to 3D printers, the construction industry would become more successful in the future!
Here’s another good news; 3D printers don’t require eating or sleep. Hence, these reliable machines don’t stop until the work is completed. Workers don’t have to experience long waiting times.
Why Use 3D Printers in Construction?
3D printers don’t only create physical objects at home, in the kitchen, or in the office. 3D printers prove to be handy and valuable to the construction industry because of the following reasons:
Time-Saver
Construction works such as building a house requires time. A house could take months to finish, but the work is reduced if you have a 3D printer. Also, people who spend less time at the site would prevent injuries. Less hardship means less hassle and injuries. (If you observe a construction having a 3D printer, the place is peaceful too!)
Here’s an example:
It’s a tough job if you’re planning to build a 95m2 house because of the preparations, time and effort you have to do. Say goodbye to that hassle by creating a 3D printed house. You can create complex shapes at a lower rate in using a 3D printer.
Economical
Unlike the traditional printing processes, 3D printers use materials. Why? Additive procedures (that 3D printers use) produce less wastes than subtractive processes. Since 3D printing produces less waste, the environment also benefits.
Experts add that in using increased geometric mastery, people can create optimized shapes to reduce the printing materials used. Also, most materials used in 3D printing are less hazardous to the environment, so 3D printing is an excellent device to make 3D objects.
Take note: 3D printers provide convenience to construction workers through cost-effective materials and time-saving methods. But the construction industry still needs further tests to ensure the full effectiveness of 3D printing in the future.
With that mind, let’s talk about the downsides or caveats in using 3D printers. Here are a few downsides of 3D printing today.
3D Printers Downsides in Construction
Don’t think that your dream house or office is easy to build. Yes, 3D printers provide awesome three-dimensional models of home or apartments. But 3D printing isn’t recognized as an excellent construction method yet by standard bodies and codes.
Since the 3D printed structures aren’t traditional, the resistance in time and calculations of resistance aren’t accurate. Therefore, the habitable works that constructors do need to be tested regularly. You can’t blame the standard bodies because they are concerned about the structure’s safety in the coming years.
3D Printing – Solution for Housing Problems
Many people around the world want to have decent homes. But building structures takes a lot of time considering the techniques and materials used. Thanks to 3D printers, building a home would be faster and easier than before.
Contractors can plan and build 3D printed homes easily using accurate methods of 3D printing. If you see the result, 3D printing technology offers a major breakthrough. More companies use innovative approaches to construct or build a house.
In the past months, companies are building the biggest 3D printers. These 3D printers are useful in building your dream home because of fast and safe printing. Some printers today source materials from hydro, solar, and wind power. With these printers, regions that don’t have electricity yet can make eco-friendly structures.
