3D printing is creating physical objects through a digital model of collecting material in layers. Charles W invented the first 3D printer in 1983. It is now one of the fastest developing technologies in recent times.
In several industries, including medicine, architecture, electronics, etc. 3D printing is successful and beneficial. Many kinds of research show that 3D printing reduces the demands of resources and energy. This tells us the development of sustainability with the use of 3D printing. Find out more about the application of 3D printing in architecture and its use in the industry further here.
3D Printing in Architecture
Source: Pixabay
Research engineering is researching the technology for constructing buildings through 3D printing. Printing is done through Super Size printers. The special mixture used is much thicker than standard concrete. The thickness helps to protect itself during production. Earlier, 3D printing was to make scale models but now has shifted to producing a full-scale end product.
The professionals in architecture and construction understand the prime importance of accurate and reliable models. It allows their clients to imagine concepts with realism and clarity. The use of 3D printing has allowed architects to experiment more with designs. They can now quickly and cost-effectively create complex and precise models with ease.
In this highly competitive industry, 3D printing gives an edge to the architect in presenting their ideas better. It gives depth, texture, and dimensions to the project. Moreover, various tests such as wind, sound, stability, and more can be applied on scale models. This will be helpful during the design research.
3D Printing Applications in the Architecture Industry
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Digital 3D Modeling
3D modeling is an important phase in the process of 3D printing. The development of 3D modeling applications has expanded in the previous years. Types of a component, real structures, or project scale models are building using modeling. Some businesses consider using multiple software systems to produce the best results. When rendering the digital file, the developers usually assign 3D printing as the prototype to the engineers.
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Prototyping
Source: 3dsystems.com
In addition to being labor-intensive, the production of 3D cardboard models was historically time-consuming. Whereas, 2D versions were not as helpful. Today, it enables the development of high-quality 3D prototypes. It reduces time and effort to a great extent. Constructing simple and complex designs take less time now. It only takes hours rather than weeks or even months because of the versatility of the 3D printers.
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Urban Infrastructure
Urban 3D printing infrastructure is mostly a partnership between a 3D printing architecture company and the city or government. The structures typically include 3D printed bridges, decorative building facades, and transportation stops. It is interesting to see that many of the projects have reached the finish mark.
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3D Scanning
City planners also consult other specialists, such as engineers, architects, to construct or develop cities. They also weigh concrete objects, including building addition. Incorrect steps can, however, delay construction, leading to project errors. Moreover, it will lead to an increase in the budget. Fortunately, laser 3D scanning is a simpler and more precise way than conventional methods to calculate measurements. Overall, 3D scanning increases the precision of restorations. Additionally, it saves time and facilitates measurements that would otherwise not be possible.
Use of 3D Printing in the Architecture Industry
- The headquarter for the Dubai Futures Foundation is design as the 3D printed office for the United Arab Emirates National Committee. The 3D printed office is a fully functioning building with power, water, and telecommunications systems. In the end, the project decreased labor costs by 50% to 80%. Its construction waste also lowered by 30% to 60%.
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Source: Pixabay
A Russian enterprise in Moscow, designed 400-square feet home from scratch in just 24 hours. The building is the complete design using a handheld 3D printer. The cost of construction is very low. All of the walls and foundations are printing with a specific mixture. Other pieces such as windows, appliances, and furniture are being added after the building,
- A 500-foot-corner concrete barrack hut is available on 3D printed by U.S. Marine Corps. It emphasizes robots constructing military structures on demand.
- 3D Housing 05 project is a 3D printed home by an Italian architecture company. The concept was presented at the Milan Design Week 2018. It won the best sustainability award. The house combines modern and organic elements through the use of the printer. Also, it features elegant and completely fitted rooms with wonderful accents. Such as the hand-carved bathtub and metal counters.
- Be More 3D built Spain’s first 3D printed bungalow in 12 hours at the University of Technology, Valencia. According to CEO Ramirez, the system is effective because it reduces manufacturing costs by up to 35%. But he also believes that the production can be done in just 8 hours.
Conclusion
3D printing reorganizes the processes as well as means of architectural design. To achieve these cutting-edge milestones by incorporating imagination with sustainability. The above application of 3D printing in architecture shows the efficiency it brings in the work process of architects. Hence, it will be safe to say that these technologies have the potential to shape the future of the construction and architecture industry.
