3D Printing Houses

3D printing is a very interesting form of manufacturing technology in my opinion. This technology allows for the creation of virtually anything. Many printers exist out there, and many materials are offered to choose from. In fact, more than 100 materials are offered for printing. I want to discuss how this technology can change the way we look at efficiency. Before I can do that, let me tell you what 3D printing really is, and how the process works.

3D printing is the layer by layer creation of pretty much whatever you want in one (or more) of a variety of materials. These machines, or printers, will lay down layers of material down, sometimes as thin as 12 microns, sometimes as thick as 12 inches. It all depends on the printer. Some of the machines are the size of a desktop computer, which usually yields small parts like rings, jewelry, or hearing aids. Some 3D printing machines, or printers, are about the size of a refrigerator and they can produce parts which are around 10” x 10” x 10”. Some machines are almost the width of your bed, and can produce parts as large as a motorcycle helmet. Some are incredibly large, and can produce houses out of concrete! It all depends on which machine you want, which material you want, the levels of detail, smoothness, etc. There are quite a few factors.

How does the process actually work? Well, initially a design will have to be mocked up on the computer by a designer, engineer, artists, or whatever you’d like to call it. This design can be pretty intricate, as 3D printing doesn’t rely on the same design rules that other forms of manufacturing do. These designs will be made in the form of a 3D model, created out of various software. This model will then be sent to the machine for 3D printing. 3D printing revolves around a CAM system, or a computer aided manufacturing system. This means that the process is almost entirely automated. The computer will “aid” the manufacturing process, and tell the printer itself where to lay down the material. This process is very neat, as it is pretty much entirely automated when it comes down to producing pieces.

One interesting application I want to talk about is the creation of houses. I’m talking about 3D printing houses. There is technology available which allows for the creation of entire houses through printing concrete. The machines are able to create the homes in the course of 24 hours. I’m not entirely sure how electrical outlets, plumbing, and lighting works –but I know that the frame can be manufactured within a day. This is great, as 3D printing is almost entirely automated. This lowers the expenses for employment. The process itself is actually less expensive. It is much greener for the environment. It is much cheaper on material. It is much quicker. This will help promote inexpensive housing in 3rd world countries, or even various expeditions around the world, or even to crazy places like the moon!