In 1945, when Murray Leinster envisioned a machine that would take his drawings and turn them into 3D objects for his novelette, Things Pass By, perhaps he didn’t imagine that it would become the future… or perhaps he did, who knows?
Nevertheless, fast-forward to Japan 1981 and we’ll find Dr. Hideo Kodama filing to patent a “rapid prototyping device”. This fell through due to lack of funding, like other patents that occurred during this period until Charles Hull, the father of 3D printing, filed a patent for a stereolithography system. This was approved in 1986, which led him to set up his company, 3D Systems, and produce the first commercially available 3D printer – the SLA1 – in the late 1980s.
Swiftly following the production of the first SLA 3D printer, came SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) and FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling). This period of development is neatly polished off in 1993 when MIT professor Emanual Sachs coined the term “3D printing” to refer to an industry previously known as “rapid prototyping”.
Jump to the late 2000s, and we start to see 3D printed prosthetics, 3D printers being used in the International Space Station, and even 3D printing of cell tissue (bionik).
“3D printing is one of the greatest technological advances and innovations of the 21st century. Its value in the global market reached $190 million (USD) in 2021, and is expected to increase to $680 million (USD) by 2030.”
With the continuing advancement in 3D printing technology and the growing market for 3D printing systems, construction fans might start to ponder how 3D printing will come to revolutionise their industry. So, let’s explore that a bit more below:
Less time, more accuracy
The most obvious way 3D printing might come to revolutionise construction is by saving time. Computer Aided Design and Manufacture allows for greater efficiency when designing and building structures, as well as faster processing. 3D printing can significantly accelerate construction timelines by automating the process of layering materials to build structures. Moreover, complex components can be printed in a fraction of the time it would take through conventional methods.
Money saving
3D printing not only reduces labour costs by minimising the need for skilled workers on-site, its precision when using materials also reduces waste production, which allows for savings to be made in various aspects of a project, such as in procuring labour/materials, and in disposing of material waste.
Design freedom and customisation
Architects and designers often encounter limitations when translating complex designs into real-world structures. 3D printing enables the construction of intricate and customised architectural designs that were previously challenging or expensive to realise. This opens a world of creative possibilities for unique and innovative structures. Have a look at these impressive 3D printed buildings to exemplify how 3D printing allows for design freedom.
Sustainability
Sustainability has become a critical consideration in construction. 3D printing can promote eco-friendly practices by reducing construction waste through precise material utilisation. It can also allow for the use of sustainable and recycled materials in the printing process, contributing to greener building practices.
Affordable housing solutions
Housing shortages and affordability challenges are prevalent in many regions. 3D printing offers the potential to construct affordable housing quickly and efficiently. By reducing construction time and costs, 3D-printed houses could help address housing crises around the world.
Remote and challenging locations
3D printing can be particularly advantageous in remote or difficult-to-reach locations. Traditional construction in such areas can be logistically complex and expensive. With 3D printing, essential structures can be built using fewer resources and in a shorter timeframe, providing solutions for disaster relief and remote infrastructure needs. Read this study analysing the pros and cons of 3D printing with regards to remote locations.
Reduced health and safety risks
Construction sites can be hazardous environments for workers. By automating construction processes through 3D printing, there’s less need for human labour in potentially dangerous situations, reducing the risk of on-site accidents and injuries.
Complex geometries
3D printing can produce structures with intricate and complex geometries that might be challenging to achieve using traditional construction methods. This is especially beneficial for projects that require curved or unconventional shapes. Watch this webinar discussing impossible geometry and 3D printing for more information.
Maintenance and repairs
3D printing can facilitate on-site repairs and maintenance by producing replacement parts or components. This reduces downtime and costs associated with sourcing and shipping replacement parts for maintenance work.
Research and experimentation
3D printing in construction allows for experimentation with new materials, designs, and construction techniques. Researchers can explore novel approaches to building structures, leading to innovative breakthroughs and advancements in construction technology.
As 3D printing technology continues to evolve…
…and become more accessible, its potential impact on the construction industry becomes increasingly evident. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as scaling up for large projects and adapting regulatory frameworks, the benefits of 3D printing in construction are compelling and could reshape the way we build our world.
