5 minute read
INNOVATION: 3D CONCRETE PRINTING
The world’s first 3D-printed hotel suite is located in the Philippines. Sources: https://3dprint.com/137655/3d-printing-concrete-expand-2021/ and https://futurism.com/hotel-3d-printed-sand-volcanic-ash/
Advertisement
HIWAY | 24 Photo Credit: Anthony Rudenko
Construction is one of the main areas 3D will transform construction with a material printing has been projected to impact that’s undoubtedly familiar to us all. substantially, all along. It also tends to be the example of choice for critics asking The question isn’t whether concrete 3D what happened to all those lofty architec- printing will begin to play a large role in the tural plans that have yet to be seen on the construction industry, but just when and ground. There aren’t 3D printers in every how much. Due to the benefits offered, one home yet, and few of us are living in 3D would imagine many in the business are printed homes or working in 3D printed scrambling to know more and figure out office buildings despite some far-out con- how they can take advantage of the new cepts, as well as compelling international technology as it offers major savings on the models actually coming to fruition. So is this bottom line, greater speed and accuracy, thing really on or what? and will be attractive to consumers looking While other sectors such as automotive, future. aerospace, and medical are showing huge strides, in the construction arena we’ve The study focused on what the future seen slower progress, but it’s definitely been market size is for this technology and mathere, even if just in baby steps, and much terials in construction, along with the true of these have involved building a foundation potential for growth as they examined the of impact that begins following: with the tools and mate- •Product type rials. They are definitely The study shows that •Concrete type emerging, from 3D print- many construction •Software ers that can make bricks to drones that function companies are •End-use •Regions as self-sustained mini and will be using construction factories. While some of this is still concrete 3D printing, The time period examined, from they 2015fantastical, the progress and that it has also 2021, allows for a look is undeniably stantial—and merous large quite subwe see nudelta style been growing in direct accordance at how construction will propel the growth of 3D printing, beginning with 3D printers emerging too with the industry studying vendors and for construction, even playing a part in some overall, around the their revenues. amazing projects which world. “The bottom-up procemay just be one-offs dure was employed to so far, but they do also arrive at the overall size answer the question with a resounding “yes, of the global 3D concrete printing market 3D printing in construction is so on.” from the revenue of the key players,” states Materials, of course, are at the crux of this conversation. Perhaps we have the plans They assessed market size and then moved and the tools and are ready to erect build- on to dividing it into different segments and ings galore—but with what? Why, concrete, subsegments, further studied and verified of course. And just how this is and will be with numerous, comprehensive interviews done is the major focus of a recent study with the higher-ups in many companies, to by Research and Markets as they look at include CEOs and executives. the what, when, and where for concrete 3D printing in 3D Concrete Printing Mar- “These data triangulation and market ket By Product Type, by Concrete Type, by breakdown procedures were employed to Software, by End-Use Sector & by Region – complete the overall market engineering Forecast to 2021. process and arrive at the exact statistics for Research and Markets, a research and Research and Markets team. analysis company that offers resources to to buy more affordable real estate in the Research and Markets. all segments and subsegments,” states the companies and investors around the world, Following are some of the 3D concrete is offering their take on how 3D printing printer manufacturers, architects, contractors, and vendors they see making up the ecosystem: •DUS Architects (The Netherlands) •Skanska (Sweden) •Fosters + Partners (U.K.) •WinSun Global (China) •Sika (Europe) •LafargeHolcim (Europe) •Balfour Beatty (U.K.) •Carilliom Plc (U.K.)
The study shows that many construction companies are and will be using concrete 3D printing, and that it has also been growing in direct accordance with the industry overall, around the world. As industrialization increases, along with further urbanization, this leads to expanded building of a wide range of structures around the world.
The research divides the 3D concrete printing market into the following submarkets: Product Type: •Walls •Floors and roofs •Panels and lintels •Others (staircases and paving slabs)
By concrete type: •Ready-mix concrete •Precast concrete •Shotcrete •High-density concrete •Others (lightweight concrete, limecrete, and stamped concrete)
By Software: •Design •Inspection •Printing
By End-Use Sector: •Architectural construction •Industrial construction •Domestic construction •Residential •Commercial •Others (sports, education, and healthcare)
By Region: •North America •Europe •Asia-Pacific •RoW (UAE and other countries in RoW)
The Research and Markets team believes that as the global economy continues to recover, further demand can be expected
for 3D printing and specifically that with concrete, leading to a market projected to be worth $56.4 million by 2021.
Leading the pack will be Asia Pacific. The research company sees this region as growing the fastest, offering the biggest demand, and being open to the use of the technology and materials. High incomes with disposable cash will obviously propel 3D printing with concrete in construction along. Not surprisingly, China is expected to be the fastest growing country for the use of 3D printing with concrete from a global perspective,
with all the elements in place: government interest and encouragement, standardization efforts, growing need, developing technologies, and, of course, an awareness of the new tools, materials and all the benefits that can be found in using them.
Obvious obstacles to be considered are that of the amount of investment capital this technology can require—not to mention research and development—along with understanding how to use the hardware and put automation techniques into motion.
The study was meant to answer questions for stakeholders and potential investors, allowing them to understand which markets should be focused on for ‘prioritizing efforts and investments.’ The target audience for the reports includes raw materials suppliers, 3D concrete printing manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, real-estate agents, consulting firms, and more. For more information on this study, see Research and Markets. Discuss further in the 3D Concrete Printing Industry forum over at 3DPB.com.
