Step into a realm where imagination takes shape, where ideas materialize with a touch
of a button. Welcome to the world of 3D printing, a revolutionary technology that has
captured the minds of innovators and makers alike.
In this article, we embark on an exhilarating journey to explore the fascinating domain of
3D printing.
From its awe-inspiring features and historical milestones to its boundless potential and
real-world applications, join us as we uncover the transformative power of this
groundbreaking technology.
What is 3D Printing:
At its core, 3D printing is a manufacturing process that creates three-dimensional
objects by adding successive layers of material, guided by a digital model. It offers a
transformative way to turn digital designs into physical objects with precision and
efficiency.
History of 3D Printing:
The roots of 3D printing can be traced back to the 1980s when Charles Hull invented
stereolithography, a technique that paved the way for the modern era of 3D printing.
Since then, important milestones have included the development of Selective Laser
Sintering (SLS) by Carl Deckard and the introduction of fused deposition modeling
(FDM) by Scott Crump, which made 3D printing more accessible to a wider audience.
What is 3D printed house?
3D printed houses are constructed using 3D printing technology. Here, 3D printer uses
a CAD (Computer Aided Design) drawing to create a physical structure. It puts out layers
using input material.
Things required here are
1. CAD drawing or files which contain blueprint of the building
2. 3D construction printer
3. A material supply system
4. Input material
We should note here that 3D construction printer mainly builds the house’s basic
structure. Other parts like installation of windows, doors, electrical system, plumbing etc.
needs to get done post that.
This technology can be used to build industrial, commercial, and public buildings.
How to make 3D Printed House:
These are the 4 steps, which are involved here.
1. Blueprint of the building: One need to prepare the blueprint of the proposed
building. This can be done with CAD software. This contains, detailed description
of the building, including exact measurement of each component, description
about the placement of doors, windows etc.
Now various software like Onshape, Blender etc. are available, which can help
one prepare a full design of the house.
Post finalization of the design, another software converts the detailed design into printable file.
This file will be used by 3D printer at the site.
By this time, based on the design, one can also estimate the total time and
material, which will be required for that building.
2. Preparation at site: Now, required material and 3D printer can be installed at site.
Some other equipment like pump, different nozzles etc. can be placed at site.
Based on the digital blueprint design, the 3D printer will dispense a paste-like
mixture. This paster can consist of mortar, concrete, cement blend, sand, special
polymers or bio-resins, like soil, clay or wood flour, which is a fine sawdust mixed
with a corn-based binder.
Also, we may require human experts at site to monitor the overall work as well as to cut
holes etc. for plumbing, electrical wiring, doors and windows.
3. Building the walls: We can say that at this stage, we are printing the walls. Based
on the design, nozzle of the printer, build the layers of the wall.
Now, the digital design is sliced into thin layers, which are sequentially printed by the 3D
printer layer by layer, using various materials such as plastics, metals, ceramics, or even
biomaterials.
Typically, for a house, total 150 layers are added with each layer being .75 inch thick.
That way, one can prepare a 9-foot wall.
The point to note here is that though 3D printers can work 24/7, we need to set a time
interval between each layer. This helps in the current layer gaining strength, getting hard
enough before the next layer is put.
Based on the design, size or the direction, the nozzle needs to get changed during this
process.
Also, after the wall is built (printed), enough water is sprayed on the wall and in some
cases, it’s covered in plastic etc. so that the wall gets enough moisturizer. That’s important
for the overall strength of the wall as well as in making sure that in future, no cracks etc.
develop in that wall.
4. Post printing installations: Once the walls are printed and dried enough, other
parts like doors, window panels, electricity, plumbing etc. is done now. Any other
finishing touch can be provided at this stage.
What is Onshape :
Onshape is a cloud-native product development platform. This contains full-featured CAD, integrated PDM and enterprise analytics in a single system.
One can create the design with this and later this design can be reviewed on the computer from all angles and relevant changes can be made.
What is Blender:
Blender supports 3D printing modeling, 3D Printing Toolbox and real-time Mesh Analysis features.
Advantages of 3D printed house
1. Unleashing Creativity: With 3D printing, intricate and complex designs that were
once thought impossible can now be transformed into tangible objects,
empowering creativity and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
With various software, one can prepare a detailed design and get it reviewed with
the consumers, prospects, etc..
It’s like a dream come true like situation. Any type of house design can be
prepared and later given shape with 3D printer. Design possibilities are endless
here.
With 3D printer, curved foundations, walls with various type of design can be built at a
fraction of the cost. 3D printing liberates designers from the constraints of traditional
manufacturing, enabling the creation of intricate and customized objects that were
previously impractical or impossible to produce.
2. Customization at Scale: 3D printing allows for the production of personalized and
tailored products on a mass scale, revolutionizing industries such as healthcare,
fashion, and manufacturing.
3. Cost and Effort savings: One need to spend good effort during the design but actual
execution ( printing) can happen very fast. Also, as there is almost zero waste (
of construction material), saving of 10-40% is noticed in these housing projects.
By eliminating the need for molds, tooling, and complex assembly processes, 3D
printing reduces production costs and lead times, particularly for low-volume or
custom-made products.
4. Quick and efficient — 3D printers can work 24/7 or without taking any leave. Lot
of buildings can be prepared within days.
5. Recycling and Sustainability: This technology has the potential to reduce waste
and environmental impact by enabling the recycling and repurposing of materials,
promoting a more sustainable approach to production.
We can say that a low-waste, computerized houses can be built from an industrial-scale
printer at very low cost.
Disadvantages of 3D Printed House
1. Big upfront costs: Here, one need to have proper software for preparing the
blueprint of the house. Also, Industrial 3D printer cost a lot. 3D printing is good if
one is preparing many houses of the same type.
It means, one can prepare the design, get it thoroughly reviewed and after that,
almost like an assembly line, houses can be printed. But if you are building only
one house, then total cost may not justify.
2. Need of experts along with careful planning: This is to make sure that
post printing of the walls, other equipment (door, window..) are fitted properly.
Point to note here is that once 3D printer starts printing, building the walls etc.,
making further changes in the design or in the final property will be very costly.
EXAMPLE OF 3D PRINTED HOUSE
1. KAMP C: Belgian company Kamp C, has built 3D house.
2. MENSE-KORTE : Located in Beckum, Germany, Mense-Korte has built houses
with 3D printing.
3. BIOHOME3D : The University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites
Center is building this.
4. HOUSE ZERO : ICON, along with architectural firm Lake|Flato has built a three-
bedroom two-and-a-half bath residence just outside of downtown Austin, Texas.
5. In India, Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, a startup which is founded by IIT
Madras has built 3d Printed houses.
Important Features of 3D Printing:
a) Material Versatility: 3D printing supports a wide range of materials, including plastics,
metals, ceramics, and composites, offering versatility and adaptability across different
industries.
b) Complexity and Precision: The technology allows for the creation of highly intricate
and complex geometries with high precision, enabling the production of objects with
intricate details and fine finishes.
c) Rapid Prototyping: 3D printing accelerates the product development process by
enabling rapid prototyping, reducing time and costs associated with traditional
manufacturing methods.
Technologies Related to 3D printing:
3D printing intersects with various other technologies, including CAD software, 3D
scanning, and generative design. Understanding these technologies enhances the
capabilities and potential applications of 3D printing.
Other Use Cases of 3D Printing:
a) Healthcare: 3D printing has enabled the production of patient-specific medical
implants, prosthetics, and anatomical models for surgical planning, leading to improved
patient outcomes and personalized care.
b) Aerospace: The aerospace industry leverages 3D printing to create lightweight and
complex components, reducing weight, and enhancing fuel efficiency in aircraft.
c) Education: 3D printing in educational settings promotes creativity, problem-solving,
and hands-on learning. Students can bring their ideas to life, fostering innovation and
practical skills.
Companies Using 3D Printing:
a) Stratasys: A prominent player in the 3D printing industry, Stratasys offers a wide
range of printers and materials for various applications, from prototyping to production.
b) 3D Systems: Known for its advanced 3D printing technologies, 3D Systems provides
solutions for industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and automotive.
c) Formlabs: Formlabs specializes in desktop stereolithography 3D printers, catering to
professionals and enthusiasts, and empowering creativity and innovation.
Industries Using 3D Printing:
Apart from construction industry, many other industries have also joined the 3D printing
bandwagon.
a) Automotive: The automotive industry employs 3D printing for prototyping, customized
parts, and tooling, enabling faster product development and enhancing vehicle
performance.
b) Fashion and Design: 3D printing revolutionizes fashion and design by enabling the
creation of avant-garde garments, intricate jewelry, and customizable accessories.
Industries with Potential for 3D Printing Adoption:
Industries such as consumer goods, electronics, and entertainment are poised to
benefit from the adoption of 3D printing. Its ability to create unique, customized products
aligns well with the demands of these sectors.
The Future of 3D Printed House:
The future of 3D printing holds immense potential, from advancing the production of
functional end-use parts to enabling the printing of human tissues and organs for
medical purposes.
As the technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate increased efficiency, expanded
material options, and further integration with other advanced technologies.
With this, we can provide affordable houses to all sectors of society, quickly and in a cost efficient way.
Conclusion:
In the realm of manufacturing, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative force,
redefining the possibilities of creation and production.
Its ability to bring digital designs to life, with customization and precision, opens new doors across industries, from healthcare and aerospace to education and beyond.
As this revolutionary technology continues to evolve, it will reshape the way we think
about manufacturing, fueling innovation, sustainability, and boundless creativity.
With this, houses at mass scale can be built very efficiently & in a cost-effective way.
So, let us step into the realm of 3D printing and witness the magic of turning dreams
into reality, one layer at a time.
