Projects: How 3D printing is changing construction

By Thomas Lane2020-03-09T06:00:00

3D printing2579_FP711650CMYKFoster + Partners

Source: Foster + Partners

The race is on to design the best 3D printing system for construction

Automated construction has lots of promise: better quality, faster delivery and lower cost. But realising this potential is very slow. While many modern factories are full of robots, with barely a human to be seen, most offsite construction facilities are essentially site-based processes in a shed.

3D printing, which creates a three-dimensional object from a CAD model, is one automated process that has much to offer construction. Its flexibility fits well with the bespoke nature of construction and the industry has dabbled with the technology for producing one-off components – and even whole buildings – but the technology is still some way from wholesale adoption.

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