We visited a 3D printer factory specializing in architecture in the suburbs of Shanghai, China.

This company uses 3D printer technology for construction work.

Specifically, a special cement paste is extruded from the tube with a 3D printer and laminated to create an arbitrary shape. In the case of architectural walls, in addition to laminating cement paste, reinforcing bars are sandwiched between them in the same way as general RC construction.

The main merits of this technology are (1) unlike the case of RC production, there is no need for a form material, and (2) it has a certain strength in a short time and the construction period can be shortened.

The photo above shows that the outer frame of a single hut with a space of about 60 square meters can be created in one day, and the exterior can be created in about a week. The cost, including personnel expenses, is about 70,000 RMB (excluding interiors).

Since there is a hollow part inside the wall, this part can be used to improve heat insulation and sound deadening performance.

If such technology advances, not only will the construction process change, but the design will also change. The new technology not only saves time and saves a variety of costs, including labor costs, but also opens up possibilities for new designs.

In the near future, I think the mainstream will be low-priced detached houses whose design and construction are extremely compact.

In addition to the construction using SRC, FRP, and GRG, furniture production, etc., the factory is also developing a new stone material for building exterior materials, such as “Ying Heng-Stone”, which uses cement.

In the future, I look forward to technology that will expand the possibilities of design in addition to simplifying the construction process.