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Tiandu scientists successfully prototype lunar regolith 3D printer Aerospace AM

by Architecture

A groundbreaking 3D printing system developed by Chinese scientists at Tiandu Laboratory has explored using only on-site-sourced lunar soil to build habitats, paving the way for the large-scale, on-site construction of lunar research stations. The Deep Space Exploration Laboratory in Hefei, Anhui Province, has successfully prototyped a lunar regolith 3D printer that eliminates the need for Earth-sourced construction materials, according to Yang Honglun, a senior engineer at the lab.

Multifunctional construction 3D printer integrates ‘Shotcrete’ capability Construction 3D Printing

by Architecture

Construction 3D printing specialist COBOD International has developed what it refers to as the “first commercially available multifunctional construction robot”. Engineered in cooperation with Technical University of Braunschweig’s Institute for Structural Design (ITE), the robotic system is capable of both depositing layers of concrete in-situ using COBOD’s gantry-based system and Shotcrete 3D printing thanks to the integration of a telescopic unit with robotic arm. This added functionality facilitates the printing of more complex structures, including those with overhangs, like tunnels, as well as to print retaining walls and to reinforce concrete.

3D printing and synthetic lichens for self-growing Mars habitats Construction 3D Printing

by Architecture

In recent years, 3D printing has been positioned as a promising solution for building habitats both on the Moon and on Mars. It makes sense: launching building supplies from Earth into space would be prohibitively expensive and 3D printing could offer a way to make structures using local materials. An innovative research project coming out of Texas A&M University is exploring this possibility and adding a new dimension to it through the introduction of living materials.

Construction 3DP central to Canadian Indigenous housing project Construction 3D Printing

by Architecture

In Canada, Indigenous communities face a serious housing crisis, with the Assembly of First Nations reporting that well over 150,000 new homes are required in order to begin to close the housing gap. To help address this urgent need for housing, Toronto-based real estate developer Horizon Legacy has teamed up with Two Row Architect, a native-owned firm from Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in southern Ontario. Together, the partners are breaking ground on a new construction project that will use robotic 3D printing technology to build a three-story residential building.

United Utilities pioneers 3D printing adoption for water infrastructure Industrial Additive Manufacturing

by Architecture

United Utilities, a British water supply company, is progressing its plans to adopt 3D printing methods across its AMP8 delivery and daily operations. The move comes as the trailblazing ‘Water Industry Printfrastructure’ (WIP) project reaches its conclusion after two successful years during which several industry firsts have been achieved. Funded through Ofwat’s Innovation Fund, the project was led by United Utilities, in partnership with tech innovators ChangeMaker3D, Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) PrintCity, and Scottish Water.

Northumbria University awarded funding to study 3DCP Construction 3D Printing

by Architecture

According to Northumbria University, researchers have been awarded a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowship to lead innovative research into low-carbon, 3D printed construction materials. The funding of over a quarter of a million euros will enable postdoctoral researcher Dr. Jyotirmoy Mishra to join Northumbria University to undertake a fellowship exploring the potential of sustainable, waste-derived alternative activators in 3D printed geopolymer mortars.

Researchers test 3D printed house with simulated earthquakes Construction 3D Printing

by Architecture

According to the University of Bristol, scientists have used the UK’s largest shaking table to mimic conditions of a medium-magnitude earthquake to assess the potential damage to a 3D printed building. Traditional concrete design has well-established seismic behaviour, but 3D printed concrete introduces new variables such as layered deposition, unique material properties, and non-traditional geometries. As such, assessing how these factors influence structural integrity under earthquake loading is vital.

Progress Group introduces SPI process for advanced construction 3D printing Construction 3D Printing

by Architecture

The Progress Group, a specialist in precast concrete manufacturing and a (lesser-known) innovator in binder jetting technology, has unveiled its latest innovation in construction: the SPI (Selective Paste Intrusion) process. This new 3D printing technology brings more precision and flexibility to producing concrete components and opens new design horizons for architects and builders worldwide.