A joint venture in Africa is 3D printing buildings, and it appears to be a service designed for expansion.
building
3D Printing Concrete
Charles R. Goulding and Peter Favata take a look at concrete 3D printing for various uses.
COBOD 3D Printer Building Three-Floor Apartment
COBOD announced their partner is using the BOD2 construction 3D printer to build a three-story apartment building in Germany.
Meet Mighty Buildings: Construction 3D Printing Without Hyped-Up Claims
Construction 3D printing is itself still a new venture; Mighty Buildings has emerged with a new take on this technology, though, surpassing some of the hype of other participants.
3D Printed Housing Gets A Boost: $35M For ICON
Construction 3D printing company ICON recently announced a $35 million Series A funding round, underscoring a bright future for the technology.
What is “Swarm 3D Printing”?
A company is working on a concept called “Swarm 3D Printing”.
Another 3D Printed House To Go Up This Summer
A new project in the Czech Republic will produce a small 3D printed house called “Prvok”.
Good News From COBOD And Their Construction 3D Printers
News from COBOD indicates the company turned a profit in 2019, meaning there is now a viable construction 3D printer market.
An Unusual Method To Capture Global Scenes In 3D
A software hack allows export of 3D data from Google Maps for use in other 3D modeling programs.
When One Door Closes, A Touchless Door Opens (With The Help Of 3D Printing)
Charles R. Goulding looks to a future of touchless doors, helped along with 3D printing.
Time To Switch To 3D Printing For Touchless Bathroom Design
Charles R. Goulding looks into the use of 3D printing to make public bathroom spaces “touchless.”
Smart Construction Parts Possible With Continuous Carbon Fiber 3D Printing
Anisoprint and one of their clients have developed a very unusual method of making self-sensing construction parts using 3D printed continuous carbon fiber.
A New Perspective On Construction 3D Printing With Local Materials
Researchers are exploring ways to use local soils and materials for 3D printed buildings, but it seems to be quite complex.
A 9-Axis Concrete 3D Printer That Can Do Amazing Things
Twente Additive Manufacturing has developed a robotic-style concrete 3D printer that is capable of amazing detail and even overhangs.
What Does An Actual Construction Worker Think of Construction 3D Printing?
With all the attention being given to construction 3D printers, we thought it wise to see what an actual construction worker thinks of the technology.
Five Unending Myths About 3D Printing
There are five myths about 3D printing that just won’t go away. We list and explain all of them.
24 Hour 3D Printed Housing: This Has To Stop
Mass media continues to be fooled by the fake news of “3D printed homes in 24 hours”. We vent our thoughts on this ongoing debacle.
More Details on The COBOD 2 Construction 3D Printer
We just learned a lot more about the COBOD BOD2, the world’s largest construction 3D printer.
How Are 3D Prints Used For Design?
What is Design Feedback with 3D Printing? It is a technique used by architects to solve highly complex building construction designs.
Space Startup Offering Earth-Based 3D Printed Housing Experience
Want to stay in a space habitat? One 3D printed space habitat is being offered to the public for short stays, but it’s located on Earth.
XtreeE: One of Many Construction 3D Printing Consultants To Come
Why do construction 3D printing? It seems that there is a big need for consultants to help architects, builders and others discover concrete 3D printing.
CyBe’s Construction 3D Printers Are Mobile
Is it possible to 3D print walls and entire buildings with 3D printers? The concrete part can indeed be 3D printed with equipment from companies like CyBe.
A Concrete Example: How 3D Printing Can Create Housing and Infrastructure
Charles Goulding and Liam Nixon of R&D Tax Savers examine concrete 3D printing.
NASA’s Final 3D Printed Habitat Winners Announced
NASA’s four-year 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge has announced its top prizes.
A Stone 3D Printing Option
I’m looking at the equipment provided by Concr3de, which can 3D print in stone.
NASA Announces Finalists for 3D Printed Mars Habitat
NASA announced three finalists for their ongoing “3D-Printed Habitat Challenge”.
ICON Announces Vulcan II Construction 3D Printer
A more sophisticated construction 3D printer has been announced by ICON.
Book of the Week: 3D Concrete Printing Technology
This week’s selection is “3D Concrete Printing Technology: Construction And Building Applications” by Jay G. Sanjayan, Ali Nazari and Behzad Nematollahi
How Does 3D Printing Really Fit Into Residential Construction?
I thought I would do some basic research into residential construction practices to show how 3D printing fits and does not fit.
Building Better Skyscrapers With 3D Printed Molds
A construction project in Brooklyn is leveraging 3D printing the very practical way.
More Thoughts On The Future Of Construction 3D Printing
I’ve been reading more stories about 3D printed construction projects, and have realized something fundamental.
3D Printing to Shape the Skyline
A recent use case of 3D printing in construction shows a nice use of technology in raising a skyscraper.
S-Squared’s Large Construction 3D Printer
Today we’re looking at yet another new construction 3D printer, this time from S-Squared.
The Amazing CADMAPPER
I’ve been playing with an interesting 3D mapping service, CADMAPPER.
Autodesk Deepens Reach Into Construction
3D software giant Autodesk made an acquisition of a construction-related company.
Is 3D Knitting 3D Printing?
I’m seeing an increasing number of media stories talking about 3D knitting.
Autodesk Exploring 3D Printed Construction?
Well, this is interesting: Autodesk is experimenting with 3D printed construction.
Look Before You Leap Into Construction 3D Printer Investment
Recently there has been a spate of investment in construction 3D printer manufacturers, but is this wise?
A New Angle for Construction 3D Printing?
I’m reading a press release about another investment in a construction 3D printing company and had a thought.
Is This Really An $8M 3D Printed Home?
I’m reading a very curious report on Forbes describing an expensive California home that’s partially 3D printed, apparently.
New 3D Printing Application: Architectural Restoration
I’m reading an interesting case study about an application for 3D printing I’d not seen before: architectural restoration.
Crane WASP: The Infinite 3D Printer?
The WASP Project is set to announce a large-scale construction printer.
Cazza No More?
It appears that construction 3D printer manufacturer Cazza may have disappeared.
What Construction 3D Printing Must Do Next
After reading yet another wildly exaggerated story about 3D construction printing, I thought I’d make a list of things to do.
NASA Awards FIve Teams in the 3D Printed Habitat Challenge
NASA’s 3D printed challenge awarded prizes for phase 3.
Finally: Functional Generative Design for 3D Printed Buildings, Almost
I’m reading a fascinating report by Joel Simon on his work to “generate” the design of a school.
Branch Technology Creates “Largest 3D-Printed Structure”
(Image courtesy of Branch Technology.)Branch Technology has erected what it claims is the world’s largest 3D-printed structure for Nashville, Tenn.’s OneC1TY neighborhood. Unveiled at the 2018 International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures this week, the structure strands at 20 feet tall and stretches 42 feet wide. Chattanooga, Tenn.-based firm is known for its unique… Continue reading Branch Technology Creates “Largest 3D-Printed Structure”
An Update on the 3D Print Entrepreneur Who Disappeared?
Two years ago, a 3D print entrepreneur disappeared mysteriously in the Philippines. Does anyone know what happened?
Look Who’s Patented 3D Printable Concrete
We were directed to a patent describing a composition for 3D printable concrete. This would certainly be a very useful capability, as the many attempts at 3D printed buildings using concrete extruders have had mixed success. However, most, if not all, of them have been using standard concrete materials. We know from experience with thermoplastic… Continue reading Look Who’s Patented 3D Printable Concrete
A Look at Apis Cor’s 3D Construction Printer
Apis Cor says they are the first company to produce a mobile construction 3D printer, and they may in fact be right.
3D Printed Buildings and Real Estate: Is the Development Space due for Disruption?
Now that we’re no longer confined to printing in two dimensions, the opportunities are almost endless for many businesses that rely on manufacturing and design.
3D Printed Buildings: Do They Make Sense In Your Region?
A project in Dubai is to print habitable villas to be actually occupied by residents.
Winsun’s 3D Printed Bus Shelter
Winsun has been busy.
NASA’s 3D Printed Habitat Challenge Now in Third Phase
The long-running NASA challenge to create a 3D printed space habitat is now launching the third phase of the competition.
3D Printed Construction: Taking Off? Or Still On The Taxiway?
There’s been plenty of media coverage regarding the concept of 3D printed construction projects, but is this really happening?
Cazza’s Robotic Building Business
I’m looking today at a new 3D printing company that focuses on building construction, Cazza.
MX3D Reveals First Section of 3D Printed Steel Bridge
Recently, we talked about MX3D getting all giant metal 3d printing robot on us and printing the 3D structures of the future.
A 3D Printed Building Rises in Copenhagen, But Is This Ready For Wide Use?
The “3D Printed Construction Partnership” has begun extruding a hotel/office in Copenhagen.
NASA’s 3D Printed Challenge Reaches Prize Stage
The ongoing 3D print innovation challenge by NASA has awarded USD$400,000 to two entrants.
Six Odd Reasons Why 3D Printed Buildings May Actually Work
I’ve been skeptical of attempts to 3D print buildings for years, although many have attempted to do so.
Contour Crafting Lives!
A surprise press release from Contour Crafting suggests the company is positioned to produce massive 3D building printers.
Is There Something To The “3D Printed Buildings” Concept After All?
Recently I’ve seen several new “3D printed construction” projects emerge, and I’m wondering if there really is something to them.
Not The Best Way To 3D Print Materials in Space
I’m reading a paper by researchers from Northwestern University where they propose a new method of enabling 3D printed Lunar and Martian materials.
3D Printed Skyscraper Pods: Not Realistic
An entry to a skyscraper design contest proposes a dynamic 3D printed pod system. I cannot imagine how this could possibly work.
Castle 3D Printing Apparently Isn’t Popular
I’m looking at what might be the most bizarre 3D print-related launch campaign ever: 3D printing a life size castle.
3D Print Entrepreneur Disappears in the Philippines
An entrepreneur pioneering a cost-effective method of 3D printing building structures has disappeared in the midst of a scary corporate situation in the Philippines.
WASP Encounters – and Solves – Problems During Gigantic 3D Print
Italy-based WASP has been experimenting with their building-sized BigDelta 3D printer.
3D Printed Construction Milestone Achieved
Netherlands company Heijmans partnered with CyBe Construction to produce prototype concrete formworks. Apparently, they were successful.
The Time is Getting Ripe to Attempt Large, Complex 3D Printed Structures
It seems that the elements required to enable the 3D printing of incredibly complex structures we’ve all long imagined are slowly coming together.
What is Going On in Dubai’s 3D Printing Project?
There’s been some buzz coming from Dubai about 3D printing, but does this make any sense?
Finally A 3D Printed House That Looks Like One!
Architecture Firm WATG Urban has released a design for a 3D printed home that is far cooler than one could imagine.
Branch’s Different Take On 3D Printed Construction
There have been multiple attempts to develop a feasible method of 3D printing buildings, and Branch Technology is trying another method.
Proven: Metal Additive Manufacturing Can Optimize Building Structure
A research paper by engineers from Netherlands-based Arup suggests that 3D printed building elements could provide significant benefit when designing particular structural styles.
Design Your Best in Heijmans’ 3D Printed Wall Cladding Contest
A European construction company has opened a contest to select the most innovative 3D printed wall cladding design.
WinSun Global To 3D Print Buildings in Dubai
Remember the Chinese company said to 3D print buildings? Now their next project takes place in Dubai.
WASP’s New 3D Printer Extruder Could Enable 3D Printed Homes
The goal of Italy-based WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project) is to enable “zero mile” homes, 3D printed with local materials. Now they seem to have created the hardware to do so.
Will 3D Printed Homes Be Viable?
An article in the Guardian examines Winsun’s recent 3D printed housing project and we’re wondering how feasible this may really be.
New Method of 3D Printing Concrete Structures
A partnership between Bruil and 3Dealise has produced a unique method of 3D printing concrete.
3D Printed Homes Offer Interesting Possibilities
After this week’s revelation of 3D printed buildings in China, we had some thoughts of what this could mean for homeowners.
3D Printed Buildings Sprout in China
Giant 3D printers have apparently built several structures in China.
A Different Approach to 3D Printed Buildings?
We’re watching a fascinating video of a robot building a brick wall. But is this 3D printing?
On the 4th of July, 3D Print Your Own Ellis Island Custom House
When there’s an important date, people like to celebrate. In the USA on this July 4th artist Don Foley is celebrating by giving away an incredible multi-part 3D model.
BetAbram To Release House Printing Machine
Over the course of its nearly 30-year lifetime, additive manufacturing has been used to create a massive array of objects. Though while the technology has had a number of different applications, its ability to produce objects on a massive scale has only just begun.
Florea’s 3D Printed Mobile House
3D print artist Iona Florea has produced another amazing work of art using his unusual 3D printing techniques.
3D Scan That Building – With A Drone
We’re looking at a project that makes 3D scans of large objects a lot easier – by using drones.
Buy a 3D Printed Stadium
There’s quite a few 3D print services out there today and it’s hard for services to distinguish themselves. One strategy is to specialize and that’s what ZVerse does. They specialize in Sports.
Ten 3D Printed Sustainable Homes Produced in 24 Hours
An experimental revolution is underway in China to use 3D printing techniques to build houses. This rapid construction process was demonstrated to build ten small houses in 24 hours predominantly from recycled materials. The company behind it is Suzhou-based construction materials firm Winsun.
A 3D Printing House Becomes Reality
We’ve written many times on the idea of building homes with large-format 3D printers, but now it’s really happening.
Contour Crafting Update
Many years ago we wrote a brief story on Contour Crafting, who, if you don’t know, are developing the technologies necessary to 3D print entire buildings in concrete. The idea is to erect a “portable” 3D printer gantry around a home-building site and have the device extrude the walls of the building. This approach… Continue reading Contour Crafting Update
Digital Grotesque: A 3D Printed Room
In July of this year Digital Grotesque will launch. It’s a project to produce “an elaborate, fully-enclosed room that is entirely 3D printed.” Computational architects Benjamin Dillenburger and Michael Hansmeyer designed Digital Grotesque and exhibited a 1:3 scale prototype at the recent 2013 Swiss Art Awards in Basel. They hope to produce a full… Continue reading Digital Grotesque: A 3D Printed Room
Emerging Objects 3D Prints Architectural Materials
Oakland-based Emerging Objects isn’t your normal design firm. Rather than designing homes, interiors, furniture or products from common materials, the four-person group is trying to create materials for tomorrow’s 3D printed objects. Self-described as a “a pioneering design and research company that specializes in designing and 3D printing objects for the built environment using… Continue reading Emerging Objects 3D Prints Architectural Materials
D-Shape’s Plans
Enrico Dini is the founder of D-Shape, pioneers in large-scale 3D printing using concrete-like materials. They’ve developed a technique for solidifying sand into a kind of sandstone using a chlorine-based fluid. The 3D printer is truly massive and must be erected on the building site – or else you’d better hire trucks and cranes… Continue reading D-Shape’s Plans
D-Shape Reshapes NYC
Concrete 3D printer D-Shape has been awarded first place in NYC’s “Change the Course” Waterfront construction competition. The USD$50,000 prize is intended to generate unique ideas and approaches for redeveloping the 565 miles of NYC shoreline, particularly after damages incurred by Hurricane Sandy. D-Shape’s technology will be used to restore damaged seawalls other other… Continue reading D-Shape Reshapes NYC
Thoughts On That 3D Printed Building
Widespread media reports describe a project by Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars, who plans to build a home using 3D printing. He’s actually going to 3D print a house. The project will use the D-Shape 3D printing technology from Enrico Dino, who previously used this approach to produce a huge sculpture. The D-Shape 3D printer… Continue reading Thoughts On That 3D Printed Building
3D Print Lightweight Load Bearing Structures
In most large constructions, rigid, dense and heavy support beams are used to keep a structure from crumbling in on itself. But for some applications, having dense structural components is a drawback. Researchers in Europe have shown that the density of structural components can be greatly reduced if they’re constructed around a fractal pattern. … Continue reading 3D Print Lightweight Load Bearing Structures