
3D Printing in Construction
- Bovis
- November 23, 2022
- Sin categoria
- Concreto, Construcción, Impresión 3D, Tecnología
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By Ibon Iribar, Investment and Open Innovation Advisor at CEMEX Ventures
3D printing is one of the major technological advancements and innovations of the 21st century. Its global market value reached $190 million USD in 2021 and is expected to increase to $680 million USD by 2030. The factors driving this growth include increasing environmental concerns regarding waste generated by the sector, the potential for architectural customization and flexibility using this technology, and the rapid creation of models and prototypes.

As this technology continues to be developed, the acceptance and growth increases, and its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to reach 91.5% by 2028 compared to 2021.
¿How does 3D printing work in construction?
The technology surrounding 3D printing has been questioned many times since the 1980s. However, it has gained greater relevance thanks to the improvement of the technique itself, which allows the creation of a three-dimensional object by superimposing successive layers of material. This construction method is highly versatile and enables the creation of specific project components as well as various types of complex structures in their entirety, such as houses, residential spaces, offices, bridges, walls, modular structures, reinforcement molds, columns, urban furniture, and even decorative elements. How is this possible?
In construction, much of the necessary information for this technology comes from the design process. Since the industry already has experience in computer-aided manufacturing and BIM continues to thrive in the construction sector, integrating 3D printing technologies is less complicated. Through a CAD or BIM program, a 3D printer receives the information of what needs to be printed, and the machines start layering the material according to the instructions. This can be done with various materials, with the most common being a mix of concrete, geopolymers, fiber, and sand.
The evolution of 3D printing has been so favorable in the last decade that its market value in the construction industry is expected to reach up to $1,034,096.7 million by 2028, according to a study by Research and Markets. This represents a 91.5% increase in its compound annual growth rate between 2021 and 2028.
Benefits of 3D printing in construction
3D printing brings significant benefits to the construction industry, offering solutions that touch almost every area of the sector’s value chain. From contributions to sustainability, increased productivity, and assistance with supply chain challenges, this technology has revolutionized the way we build.
1. Time reduction: Using traditional construction methods, a project can take many months to complete, with large projects often exceeding their expected timeline by 20% and adding up to 80% in cost overruns on the initial budget. However, 3D printing can reduce up to 70% of the time, allowing a project to be completed in just hours or days, depending on its size. Consequently, contractors can work on more projects and increase their income source.
2. Cost-effective and sustainable: 3D printing allows the precise amount of material required to construct a structure to be used, resulting in up to 60% less waste at the construction site. Similarly, there will be no surplus in material purchases, resulting in cost reductions both in the purchase and subsequent storage.
3. Improved safety: The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 1 in 10 construction workers is injured every year, with falls and improper equipment handling being the main causes. One of the most important benefits that 3D printing has brought to construction is the improved health and safety of employees at the construction site. By knowing how to work effectively with printers, workers can perform their tasks more easily and reduce injuries.
4. Flexibility in design: Last-minute design changes will no longer be a problem or delay the construction process. 3D printing allows customization of the structure right up to the start of the printing process, eliminating all the headaches associated with these changes.
Opportunities and challenges for 3D printing in construction
Although the benefits of 3D printing in construction will continue to develop as more companies adopt this technology, achieving greater market adoption remains a challenge.
Key points that play a role in furthering the technology’s popularity among industry professionals and large companies include:

Cost of machinery: While 3D printing itself is more cost-effective for construction, the necessary machinery remains expensive both to acquire and operate, and large companies have yet to significantly invest in it.
Skilled workforce: The industry needs more trained professionals who can handle the technology behind 3D printing, design computer models, operate the equipment, and provide proper maintenance.
Regulations and legislation: More regulations and legislation are needed for 3D printing in construction to provide clear guidelines on its usage and benefits in new construction projects.
Additionally, the size and development of printers present a challenge, as many models in the market limit their use to the size of the structure to be printed. The material or mix formula used for printing is also one of the main limitations for 3D printing to emerge as a construction method. The material used must have the desired printability to be extruded from the nozzle and the buildability to quickly hold its shape and support itself. Moreover, the open time is critical, as the period when printing and buildability are consistent within acceptable tolerances is limited, as the concrete can harden and hinder the process.

Types of 3D printers
1- Robotic arm: An autonomously controlled printer that allows freedom of movement and flexibility to program multiple tasks. The arm is capable of printing from multiple angles, enabling the creation of complex and curved geometries, and it can print in larger sizes compared to other 3D printing methods.
2. Gantry system: The contour crafting method marked the beginning of 3D printing in construction. This process deposits building material to form a 3D model and create large-scale structures with a smooth surface finish. It works by placing rails around the building floor, acting as a guide to direct the robotic arm in the application of concrete layer by layer.
3D printing methods:
Extrusion: The most common 3D printing technique, as it can be used in almost all environments. Commonly used for modeling, prototyping, and production applications, this method creates an object by layering material through one or more nozzles mounted on a robotic arm, gantry system, or crane.
Granular: Unlike other 3D printing methods, granular uses powder raw materials as its primary.
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