3D printing is considered by many industries the way of the future. While still in its early stages, 3D printing holds much promise and could change the way that we approach many different processes. 3D printing has been turned to as a potential option in the medical field, as in the future 3D printing skin or organs could save the lives of patients awaiting grafts or transplants. In the food industry, 3D printing has been proposed as a potential option for the production of vegan meat substitutes. While now there are few, if any realistic vegan steak options, 3D printing could give the world many in the future. With that being said, perhaps one of the biggest industries in which 3D printing is becoming prominent in the construction industry. Already, 3D printing is changing the construction industry in a major way, and this will only become more crucial in the future.
The construction industry is obviously as old as the concept of the industry in general; therefore, why is it important for new technology like 3D printing to be applied to it? Below are some of the ways in which 3D printing is changing the construction industry, and why those changes are valuable.
1. Lower Costs
A major reason why 3D printing is so exciting with many industries, and particularly the construction industry, is the fact that it can lower costs quite significantly. One of the reasons why construction can be so expensive is that some products, especially concrete, must be ordered in bulk for most projects. Concrete is extremely important within the construction industry, and in general, it’s the most commonly used manmade material in the world. There’s a reason why concrete is ordered in bulk; it can be difficult to measure exactly how much is needed before a project begins, and if the construction company runs out of concrete before a project is done, this can cause major delays. 3D printing allows them to measure out exactly how much is needed before a project begins, and they do not need to deviate from that amount. This not only cuts down on costs but is also more environmentally friendly and sustainable than buying in bulk.
2. Cuts Construction Time
Another reason why construction projects can be expensive is that they tend to run for quite some time, and can run overtime quite often. Not only does this cause delays and plenty of expenses that come with delays; but in general, of course, the longer a crew is working on a project, the more they need to be paid. Logically, the costs will rise. Fortunately, 3D printing allows construction companies to finish projects in a shorter amount of time, without sacrificing quality. A house can potentially be 3D printed within 24 hours. Furthermore, this allows contractors to take on more projects, and therefore allows them to make more money. Right now, there are over 100 major projects along the Gulf Coast alone that will require piping, flanges, and pipe fittings over the next five years. The ability to claim these types of projects allows these companies to make more money and build their reputations, all thanks in part to 3D printing.
3. Better Form
As previously mentioned, quality is a major concern for construction companies. 3D printing can be remarkably precise. Essentially, this works because 3D printers are able to make precise products during the printing process. For example, LulzBot 3D Printers were used to create 3D printed bridges. These bridges were connected through segments, precisely made. No adhesive material was needed to make these connections, and the bridge about to hold the most amount of weight was able to hold 250 pounds. That is simply what is possible now, and the capabilities of 3D printers will only grow with time. 3D printers allow construction companies to make products that are less typical and more unique, with remarkable form and a more unique architectural design. Essentially, 3D printing is making it easier for construction companies to provide their clients with exactly what they want, with less compromise.
4. Increased Durability
There are a number of benefits of 3D printing, and indeed one of those benefits is increased durability. No matter what, a good construction company is going to be concerned with durability. Therefore, it’s exciting that 3D printing is giving construction companies the ability to create buildings that are more durable overall. The manner in which 3D printers create and assemble materials potentially will create more durable buildings overall; these will still need to be tested over time, but the durability of these projects means that they will require fewer repairs. Not only does this allow for happier clients, but also more time for construction companies to focus on new projects and driving greater profits.
5. Environmental Friendliness
Returning to the idea that 3D printing allows companies to be more sustainable, it of course also allows them to be more environmentally friendly. They’re not going to be using as many materials, and therefore won’t be creating as much waste. Nor will there always be as much of a necessity to damage the surrounding area while constructing a building. This means that construction companies will potentially have less of a negative environmental impact. For that matter, they will be able to strengthen their brands and project a more positive image, as there will be less of an opportunity for critics to attack them due to such consequences. The more positive a construction company’s brand, the more business they will have over time.
No matter what, there are a lot of reasons why 3D printing will likely be adopted more by the construction industry. Inevitably, companies are going to benefit from 3D printing, and it will become more common over time. But until 3D printing is the norm, it may need to be introduced to and explained to potential clients. Yet it’s worth the explanation; everyone has something to gain from 3D printing!
