3D Concrete Printing Could Be The Future Of Construction

I think one of the coolest advancements over the last few years is in 3D printing. The process is desirable because it allows architects, designers, inventors, etc, the ability to see their concept in 3D in a matter of hours. One of the most common 3D printing methods involves inkjet printing a binder onto a layer of powder. Each layer is stack printed in place, thus creating a 3D model. If you are watching the current season of This Old House, you have seen the method in action.

Looking to take 3D printing and building architecture to the next level, a group at Loughborough University has developed a custom machine to print concrete in 3D. Their method of 3D printing is similar to the very first type of 3D printer which used extrusion to apply the base material in layers. The downside to this type of 3d printing is the low resolution, which in the case of concrete, could easily be cleaned up and finished by hand afterwards. The advantages to 3D printing concrete, which you will see in the video below, are the complex shapes that can be made without the need for any support or forms, which could significantly cut down on time and labor.

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