3D printing is reshaping the construction industry in more ways than one. Of course, everyone is talking about the speed and efficiency of construction 3D printing. But thanks to automation, this technology is allowing for everything from more sustainable construction to more innovative design and engineering.
Recently, we spoke to industry expert Daniel Small, founder of Da Vinci Consulting, on how he believed 3D printing technology in residential construction could impact the global housing crisis. We at Stream Logistics were so inspired by our conversation that we wanted to take a deeper dive into how this technology is really revolutionizing the construction industry.
First, it’s important to have a firm grasp on what construction 3D printing is and how it works.
You’re probably familiar with the small machines that print objects on demand. 3D printing in construction is based on the same technology, just super sized. Layering materials like concrete or cement, wax, foam or polymers via a computer process and a 3D printing machine, you create large, 3D shapes.
3D printed homes and housing structures are what’s most commonly known in the construction industry. But, this technology is also being used in construction components (like cladding and structural materials) as well as bridges and civil infrastructure.
Every industry is looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint — the construction industry included. While so much of this work is essential, whether it’s building houses and school or infrastructure, there’s also a lot of material waste as an output. Carson Holmquist, CEO of Stream Modular, says that because 3D printing technology uses computer programs and robotics to bring designs to life on-demand, they can use the precise amount of material needed without waste.
“There’s also a lot of innovation in materials,” Holmquist explains. “From self-healing concrete to concrete that ‘eats’ carbon dioxide, there are emerging materials that could help make this technology even greener. We’re already seeing companies use recycled materials for construction 3D printing.”
3D printing allows building projects to be fast and cost effective. With programs running the construction, there are far fewer people needed on site. This not only saves money on labor costs, but also time, since the automated process can keep a steady pace. What’s more, automation means less material usage overall, resulting in less material waste. Plus, the materials needed for 3D printed construction projects are readily available and affordable.
“The fact that 3D printing is fast and cost effective is really important and impactful for the construction industry,” Holmquist explains, “But, it’s not exclusive. Offsite manufacturing also provides fast results at a lower cost. It’s the automation technology within offisite manufacturing and 3D printing that is really making a difference in the construction industry.”
Thanks to highly-automated technology that executes exactly what the computer program tells it to, construction 3D printing reduces the number of errors that can occur on site. With built-in efficiencies that allow for everything from the right amount of material usage to the correct measurements and placements, there’s an increased efficiency with 3D printed buildings that just can’t be matched.
“3D printed construction projects require fewer people and machines, cutting down on errors. That said, there’s a lot of important planning involved to make sure it all goes according to plan,” Homquist says. “And as our colleague, Daniel Small, the founder of Da Vinci Consulting, explained to us, this is actually a huge opportunity to create highly-skilled, well-paying jobs. While the machines are programmed to do exactly as they are told, we need designers and engineers to create the CAD designs, and people on site to set these machines up so they can work without a hitch.”
One of the reasons 3D printing technology has become so renowned is for its ability to create difficult, atypical and unique shapes that are otherwise costly or impossible to recreate using other methods. The same can be said for construction 3D printing — and that’s a huge advantage for both builders and consumers.
“For one, consumers can now design unique structures that look and feel totally different than your typical rectangular structure,” Holmquist says. “But builders, designers and engineers can also get more creative, offering not only flashy new designs, but innovations that transform our spaces. You can truly offer newer and better options.”
An industry veteran who’s pretty much done it all, Daniel Small also gave us an inside scoop. He says that beyond housing and buildings in general, there’s a huge missed opportunity with construction 3D printing right now.
“Civil construction can hugely benefit from 3D printing technology,” Daniel explained. “So roads, tarmac, any kind of horizontal construction. We’ve also seen some bridges being done as prototypes. But even mundane and simple things, like airport tarmac or roads can be built much faster and easily with 3D printed construction. And in the future, I think we’re going to see more of it.”
While construction 3D printing may not be the exclusive technology of the industry’s future, it is one we’re keeping an eye on in our project management and transportation logistics work. What has your experience been with 3D printed housing or commercial projects? We would love to hear your thoughts and insights.
Stream Modular is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in modular construction. We help modular manufacturers and builders transport mods, pods and panels so they arrive on time and safely to the build site.
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