3D Printed House Construction: An Innovative Concept in Home Design

Introduction:

3D printed house construction is not a dream anymore. You can get this now in reality. Nowadays, the construction industry is revolutionizing itself with 3D-printed houses by making construction faster, cheaper, and more sustainable. An average small home can be built in less than 24 hours with 3D printers, which cost a fraction of the cost of traditional construction.

Using this cutting-edge technology, many home design ideas could be revolutionized. With 3D-printed houses, the dream of becoming a homeowner is becoming more accessible and will reduce homelessness.

I believe 3D printed houses will have an important role in the construction industry. The best construction company has recently implemented this method into its activities. So today I am going to present an in-depth overview of 3D printed house construction. So go through this entire guide and gain vast knowledge about 3D printing in construction.

At the very beginning, let's take a minute to talk a bit about the 3D printing house construction before getting into the main discussion.

What Is 3D Printed House Construction?

The reality is that we live in a world where 3D printed houses are not science fiction, they're today's reality. Is that to say that the entire house is printed using giant 3D printers? Not exactly. In the majority of cases, no (although a small house has been built this way). They are either produced using 3D printing techniques or by using 3D printed materials.

Typically, 3D printed homes are those that are designed and built using construction technologies that utilize the 3D printing method. 3D printed homes are faster to construct and offer many advantages over traditional construction methods.

Are you interested in finding out how to build a 3D-printed house? If so, then let's know how a construction company builds a 3D-printed house.

How 3D-Printed Houses Are Built?

Even though it may seem impossible to print a home, 3D-printing technology has made it possible. Below you find an overview of the 3D printed house building process, from the blueprint to the last details. So have a deep dive into the below section.

1. Create A Blueprint:

A blueprint is created first in the building of a 3D house, just as it is in traditional construction. With the help of a modeling software program, the house blueprint can be easily tailored to fit the homeowner's needs.

2. Send The Design To A Printer:

When the home builder receives the approved blueprint, the design is sent to a 3D printer. This process is called preparation. After the printer has processed the digital file, you need to prepare the build platform and fill the raw materials to begin the manufacturing process.

3. Print Materials Layer By Layer:

Concrete is the most popular material used in 3D construction today. Rails are installed around the building site before printing begins to direct the robotic arm where to lay the paste-like build mixture. The printer starts building automatically once the print button is pressed.

The material is printed layer by layer using additive manufacturing. The process of material extrusion involves heating the material and then pushing it through the nozzle. Building material solidifies quickly in a concrete dryer, and another layer is added.

4. Install Additional Construction:

Using the printing method described above, you can only print the walls and the foundation of the home. There will still be additional construction needed to finish the project.

The home is now ready for the next stage - adding features, such as removing rails from the job site, once it has been printed. For the project to be completed, workers install parts such as windows, doors, plumbing, and electrical wiring at the construction site.

Now let’s know some benefits and challenges of 3D printed houses. Have a look below for that.

Benefits Of 3D Printed House

Though 3D-printed construction is a recent trend, it has tons of benefits that could solve home affordability worldwide.

Eco-Friendly:

A 3D printed house can be made with organic, eco-friendly materials. Moreover, some household 3D printers use solar energy, which reduces their carbon footprints. So they are very eco-friendly.

Affordable:

3D printers can build affordable housing, which can be of great help to those who live in poverty-stricken areas or the immediate aftermath of natural disasters.

Scalable:

The use of 3D printing in construction can reduce certain building costs. Traditional construction methods cost $75 for one square meter of a wall, whereas with the Apis Cor house 3D printer it is only $27.

Efficient:

The machines produce less waste because the materials are 3D printed on-demand. Construction 3D printers can also complete home foundations in days rather than weeks or months, compared to traditional construction methods.

Design flexibility:

It's possible to create curved walls and unique facades using a 3D construction printer. Luckily, 3D printing furniture that matches curves is now possible!

The Challenges Of 3D Printing:

Despite 3D printing's many benefits and potential for the construction industry, several factors may hinder its mainstream adoption. Let's take a look at a few of these challenges.

High Costs

Purchasing a 3D printer is expensive, and that doesn't include materials or maintenance. Many construction professionals are currently finding it hard to justify 3D printing's costs over its benefits.

Labor Shortage

There is a shortage of construction workers already, and finding qualified workers for 3D printing environments could prove more challenging in the future.

Quality Control

There are a number of factors that could make 3D printing in commercial construction a bust rather than a boom. On top of that, quality control can be difficult in construction. The quality of 3D printing could be a very expensive mess if it is not constantly monitored and overseen by humans.

Regulations

3D printing has a few drawbacks that might not immediately come to mind. Even though 3D printing regulation has made headlines recently, it has not yet completely affected the construction industry. The construction industry is unlikely to take advantage of 3D printing until laws and regulations are clearly defined.

The Future Of 3D Printing

It is clear that 3D printing can be very beneficial in the construction industry, and the companies that are already utilizing it are doing well. From the early stages of a project to its completion, 3D technologies help manage the entire production process. Due to almost no material wastage, 3D printed structures are more eco-friendly, cost less, and take less time. The overall benefits of 3D printing for our buildings in the future include cost savings and environmental friendliness.

Now we are getting close to the end. Before we wrap it up, let me answer a few frequently asked questions and give my final verdict.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3D printed house strong?

3D printed houses are definitely strong and durable, but they are not modern-day bunkers. A 3D house is secure enough to withstand additional force thanks to the concrete and the pre-engineered truss system.

How long do 3D printed houses last?

According to most estimates, they are at least supposed to last about 50 to 60 years. Many 3D printed houses contain timber elements that may turn brittle over time if they are not treated or maintained properly.

Is 3D printing the future of housing?

As an outstanding advancement in home construction, 3D printing is quietly positioning itself as a future redefining technology. In a matter of days, 3D printed housing will offer cheaper, as well as durable and diversely designed housing options.

Are 3D-printed homes cheaper than regular homes?

The goal is to reach a price that is equal to or lower than traditional construction. As of now, this has not been accomplished. The next homes will focus on developing methods and techniques that bring this closer.

Final Verdict

The 3D printed house construction concept is finally clear to you. Even though the concept of 3D printed homes may seem out of this world, this construction process is already revolutionizing the concept of home. With low home prices, you can afford the dream of owning a home, as cheaper construction allows you to use the extra money for homeowner's insurance, utilities, and furniture.