3D Printed Buildings

3D Printed Buildings/3D Printing in Construction

3D printed buildings refer to buildings constructed using a variety of technologies that utilize 3D printing as the core construction technique. Common types include:

• Contour crafting
• Binder jetting
• Wire arc additive manufacturing [1]

There are various methods of applying 3D printing in construction. Buildings can be printed on-site or printed in pieces elsewhere, then assembled at the final location. Although concrete is the most common type of material used, prints using steel are being used in applications such as printing parts such as steel studs and panels, or even entire bridges [2].

The 3D printing field within construction is very new and only started gaining popularity in the 2010s. However, it is rapidly gaining popularity and is regarded to be the construction technology of the future [3]. NASA is also researching the possibility of using similar technologies to print habitable structures on other planets such as the moon and mars [4]. 

Advantages

• Fast construction
• Minimal material waste
• Cost-effective
• Requires less manual labour
• Innovative design that is hard to achieve through traditional techniques [1]

Disadvantages

• A relatively new technology that has yet to be proven
  • The longevity of the products are unknown
  • Regulations need to be updated [5]
• Material selection is limited
• Machines are complex, expensive, and only work well in limited conditions [7]

Contour Crafting 

Contour crafting is the most commonly used method in construction 3D printing. It functions similarly to FDM (fused deposition modelling), where material is deposited in layers from an extruder that is able to move in three dimensions. In construction 3D printing, the material is extruded using a robotic arm or crane, and the material chosen is generally concrete due to its ability to set quickly [8].

Binder Jetting

The core principle of binder jetting is extruding a binder onto a powder (sand is the most commonly used material) that causes the powder to bind and solidify. Printers first cover the build plate with a thin layer of powder, then a nozzle deposits the binder to specified locations (similar to an inkjet printer). The process is repeated layer by layer to create a 3D object. A major benefit of this method is that the powder that is not bonded acts as supports for the model, allowing for more complex geometries [9].

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is also similar to FDM printing. It also relies on depositing material layer by layer to form a 3D model. However, WAAM printers use metal as the material, and the extruder consists of a welder that welds the metal to the previous layers. WAAM printers usually take the form of a large robotic arm, and are not limited to which direction it is printing [10].

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