3D printing is the computer-controlled sequential layering of substances to make three-dimensional contours. It’s particularly helpful for prototyping and the manufacture of geometrically intricate components.
3D printing was developed in the 1980s but was an expensive and challenging operation that limited what it could do. It’s only since 2000 that 3D printing has become viable for a wide selection of uses including floor planning, parts manufacture, consumer electronics, plastics, metalworking, and construction.
The price of 3D printers has dropped rapidly since 2005, and home use of 3D printers is now practical for consumers.
For the construction industry, there are specific 3D printers known as ‘structure 3D printers’.
A 3D electronic version of this product is made, either by computer-aided layout (CAD) or using a 3D scanner. The printer then reads the plan and lays down consecutive layers of printing medium (this is a liquid, powder, or sheet substance ) that are joined or fused to make the item. It enables any form, although the process can be slow.
Printing can create multiple components concurrently, utilize different substances and may use various colours.
Accuracy is increased as computers can do perfect math while human builders have inherent flaws. Some techniques include using dissolvable substances that encourage overhanging features during construction.
Metallic materials can be expensive to print, and in this instance, it can be more cost-effective to publish a mould, and then to use this to create the product.
Construction industry
From the construction business, 3D printing may be used to make construction components or to print whole buildings. The structure is well-suited to 3D printing as much of the data required to make an item will exist as a consequence of the design procedure, and the business is already experienced in computer-aided manufacturing. The recent development of building information modelling specifically may facilitate increased use of 3D printing.
Structure 3D printing may allow, quicker and more precise construction of complicated or bespoke items in addition to lowering labour prices and generating less waste. It may also enable construction to be undertaken in harsh or dangerous surroundings not safe for a human workforce like in space.
