New innovative 3D printing methods are being developed facilitating reduction of environmental impacts

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In recent times 3D printing market has gained traction around the globe due to the rising demand for Building Information Modeling (BIM). 3D printing is said to be a computer-controlled process where the layering of materials is done to form three-dimensional shapes. Thus, this process is helpful for entire printing buildings or for creating building components. Consequently, many construction companies have started using 3D printed materials in their projects to reduce the construction cost and generate revenue over the four to eight quarters. This gave rise to an increasing number of innovations in this space from researchers globally. For instance,

• In April 2022, a joint research project by the Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, Bar Ilan University, and the University of Haifa had developed an innovative way of 3D printing method using the natural structure of coral reefs.

This new process of 3D printing involves 3D scanning algorithms, environmental DNA sampling, and a 3D printing algorithm. The combination of all these processes provides an in-depth and accurate examination of the data from each reef, thereby helping in tailoring the printed model to a specific reef environment. The data is also beneficial for checking the level of effectiveness and efficiency of the design after it has been implemented.

Notably, the 3D process begins by scanning underwater photographs of coral reefs, from which a three-dimensional model of the reef is assembled with maximum accuracy. Consequently, the final stage is the translation and production of a ceramic reef in 3D printing. Most importantly, this is a sustainable and environment-friendly process as coral reefs play an important role in removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. Additionally, this innovative method cannot only be useful for further use in the construction industry but also help in the preservation of these corals.

In the construction industry, 3D-printing technology unlocks the opportunity to use eco-friendly material which contains less cement, reducing environmental effects. Therefore, this has led global research institutes to plunge into developing sustainable 3D printed eco-friendly construction materials. For instance,

• In February 2022, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed a unique plant-derived 3D printable composite. This material will be helpful for sustainable production practices in the future.

Researchers developed this material from a mixture of synthetic plastic and cellulose nanocrystals found in plants making the material harder than aluminum and tougher than bone. However, the researchers had to reduce the material’s petrol content to make the material suitable for sustainable 3D printing or casting of parts. Notably, the composite will have patterns akin to those of a mollusk shell.

• In January 2022, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) found a new way of 3D printing industrial waste into sustainable large-format structures. The researchers particularly used an in-house-developed concrete, which uses local waste materials as a binder together with a construction unit of Deltasys E-Forming, to 3D print furniture. Notably, Deltasys E-Forming is a start-up that designs and manufactures large extrusion 3D printers. The company claims that these structures, which usually require a huge amount of material, labor, and formwork, by optimizing the design, concrete consumption will reduce by 75%.

To know more and gain a deeper understanding of the global construction market, click here.