What is 3D Construction Printing?

Once upon a time we manually developed photos. Then came the digital camera followed by the latest release of smartphones which put the SLR to shame in terms of convenience and speed. 

How we build is also changing — structures need to be more and more efficient, more resilient and better integrated into the environment. 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) is an advanced tool to support an evolving industry. 

How does 3D construction printing work?

3D construction printing (3DPC) is a technology that uses software to control the placement of materials to build a 3D structure — such as a house or commercial building — without the need for standard formwork.  

3DCP enables the production of complex geometries in a fully-automated setup that joins materials layer by layer. This process has many advantages including material savings, far greater speed and efficiency in the production of complex concrete products, and greater design freedom.

3D construction printing vs additive manufacturing

3D construction printing is a form of additive manufacturing. They both reference the process of building by joining materials layer by layer from a software file. Both 3D construction printing — and all forms of additive manufacturing only use as much material as is necessary for creating a structure, resulting in less material usage, much less waste and fewer people working required onsite at any one time. 

What are the benefits of 3D printing?

One of the key benefits of 3D printing is time efficiency. While 3D printers still require people to run them, being automated, not automatic, they are faster and more accurate than conventional building methods. For example, a COBOD 3D printer can print the wall structure of a single-storey three-bedroom home in less than two weeks inclusive of machine setup and removal. Setting up the COBOD 3D printer takes up to two days and removing it takes one day or less. It is also possible to 3D print houses and buildings up to approximately 9 meters in height, which allows for the printing of three-storey buildings.

Further, architects are able to build complex designs that are otherwise unattainable, or too expensive or labour intensive for conventional construction means. This design freedom can allow for a lot more innovation and creativity in the residential construction space. 

3D printing will support the evolution of the construction process and will deliver better houses faster than with conventional methods.