Construction 3D Printing
The AEC industry consists of three separate segments: architecture, engineering and construction. Thus, by integrating these seemingly separate entities into a single industry, ACE professionals can work more efficiently. For architects, engineers, and contractors alike, construction 3D printing represents the full integration of these approaches.
Over the past two decades, these segments have undergone a deep transformation by adopting digital and 3D technologies. As a result, architecture first, and engineering shortly thereafter, have already embraced the digital manufacturing workflow. On the other hand, the construction segment has only recently begun to look at 3D printing and the use of digital additive technologies. The potential to replace “analogic” practices and manual labor is a huge opportunity.
Change is inevitable
While it appears inevitable, the shift toward construction 3D printing is not going to be an easy and seamless transition. Furthermore, the construction industry has typically been slow to embrace technology. This is now changing for the good. The use of technology to deliver projects is accelerating. The appropriate use of the correct technologies can help to deliver successful projects.
From just 10 firms active in 2017, 3dpbm‘s 3D Printing Business Directory now lists over 40 Construction 3D Printer Hardware Manufacturers and nearly 50 Construction 3D Printing Service Providers (some companies are the same as hardware manufacturers also provide services). The most relevant trend that manifested over the past three-year period is that large material firms (such as St Gobain, Heidelberg Cements/Italcementi and LaFargeHolceim) and several large real estate investment funds are becoming involved directly through partnerships and acquisitions.
A global opportunity
Relevant initiatives are taking place in every continent, with markets in China, Russia, MEMA and Europe (mainly Holland, Denmark, Germany but also Spain and Italy) leading the way. North America is now becoming much more actively involved and taking up a leadership role in many approaches (especially in terms of off-grid and sustainable housing or defense applications). Relevant opportunities for affordable 3D printed housing are also expected to rise in emerging and developing economies.
Multi-story (up to 4) capabilities are now starting to become available. Furthermore, construction 3D printing is not just for housing: applications include restorations, bridges, pedestrian passageways, river revetment walls, statues, furniture, fences, fountains… In this rapidly developing context, the multi-trillion dollar construction segment is soon to be dramatically disrupted.
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Texas A&M receives $3.74M for 3D printed hempcrete buildings research
A plan from Texas A&M University researchers to 3D print new resilient buildings using hempcrete has the potential to lower the environmental impact of traditional construction methods and make housing more affordable and available, according to an article posted on the University’s College of Engineering website by Alyson Chapman. The…
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nidus3D to distribute COBOD’s 3D printing technology in Canada
Denmark-based COBOD International has further expanded its distribution network, through an agreement with Canadian-based nidus3D, in a partnership that will see 3D construction printing technology brought to Canada, and strengthen building automation in North America. nidus3D is at the forefront of the 3DPC industry – paving the way for new…
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Power2Build finishes largest 3D printed building in Africa
Power2build has finished its largest 3D printed building with a COBOD BOD2 construction printer, using the D.fab concrete solution from COBOD International and CEMEX, in Angola. The company intends to transform the housing market and is a pioneer aiming to solve the challenge of affordable housing in Angola, with 3D…
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COBOD International signs on Fortex as new distributor
Danish 3D construction printing company COBOD International signed a new distribution agreement with Australian company Fortex as part of the company’s strategy to bring its 3D construction printing to Australia and strengthen the adoption of this technology in the Asia-pacific region. The first BOD2 3D Construction printer will arrive in…
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Palari and SML to build 3D printed, net-zero energy community
Palari Group, a Beverly Hills-based technology-driven developer of sustainable master-planned communities, and SML (Sinarmas Land) Limited, the largest property developer in Indonesia, have entered into a strategic partnership in the US. SML, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, has acquired a 40% stake in jointly expanding Palari’s pipeline of sustainable single-family residences,…
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SRTI Park, UAE, attracts international, 3D printing-focused companies
The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), in the UAE, is set to become the region’s largest and most advanced 3D printing technology platform, with major international companies and specialized startups, such as General Electric and 3DTIV Tech, already establishing their presence there. SRTI Park, the incubator of…
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3D printed tiny house is the first of its kind in Europe
Danish 3D construction printing company, 3DCP Group, recently unveiled their 3D printed tiny house located in Holstebro, Denmark, designed and fabricated to be as affordable as possible. On just 37 m2 the building contains a bathroom, an open plan kitchen, a living room, and a bedroom. To save space, the…
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Dr. Kunal Kupwade-Patil named as new CTO of Black Buffalo
Black Buffalo 3D Corporation, a leading provider of large-scale 3D printers for construction, has named Dr. Kunal Kupwade-Patil as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). A leader in the 3D construction printing industry, Dr. Kupwade-Patil will head the development of sustainable and alternative cementitious materials and the development of nano-engineered cementitious materials.…
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BB3D Financial by Black Buffalo offers financing and renting programs
Black Buffalo 3D Corporation (BB3D), the manufacturer of NEXCON printers and proprietary 3D construction ink, will offer the world’s first turnkey solution for financing and renting large-scale 3D construction printers, through its new subsidiary, Black Buffalo 3D Financial (BB3D Financial). With this new approach, builders of all sizes around the…
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