Applications of 3D Printing in Construction

Introduction

3D printing is now being widely used to print small plastic, 3-dimensional objects from digital files. A large number of useful household objects can already be printed, but extending the scope of 3D printing to larger objects and different materials can have a significant impact on local production of building materials, including the shells of houses themselves. For the case of the Seed Eco-Home, we are particularly interested in 3D printing of multiwall, polycarbonate glazing for the Aquaponic Greenhouse, plumbing parts, and even fence posts - all of which can be printed from commonly-available, recycled plastic. This provides new opportunities to close material cycles using local manufacturing. The cost savings for the Seed Eco-Home can be in the thousands of dollars. This webinar covers these opportunities - including the production rates possible using widely-available, open source technology. We will also cover the current 3D printer development of OSE, and how this is intended to contribute to the next build of the Seed Eco-Home.