Could 3D Printing Change the Way You Build Structures?

These days, it seems that 3D printers can create almost anything, from fire arms to prosthetic body parts. They are rapidly changing the way that manufacturers create useful goods, and pose many interesting questions for the future of the construction industry. Here’s how you can get on board, to use 3D printers or incorporate them into your contracting business.

What Is 3D Printing?

The type of construction that most people are familiar with is known formally as “subtractive manufacturing.” In essence, you take a larger piece of material, cut it to size, and then find a use for the leftovers or discard them as waste. Additive manufacturing, more commonly called “3D printing,” is very unique by comparison. Instead of cutting a solid piece of material into a particular size or shape, the 3D printer creates layers of materials such as metals, plastics, even wood. The printer relies on modeling software that creates the 3D image to be printed. The layers of the material are bonded together, and become a very strong, solid piece once completed.

Who Is Involved With 3D Printing?

Although a machine is doing the bulk of the physical labor to build the item, there are several skilled workers involved. The first, and perhaps most important, is the designer or manufacturing engineer who works with the software that is integrated with the printer. The designer creates the image using the software, which the printer will use to set the specifications for the item. Then, 3D printing technicians operate the printer and process the items after they are built. The last step involves the construction companies and workers who use the 3D-printed parts to build a structure.

Why Is 3D Printing Becoming Popular?

There are several companies and larger corporations that are using 3D printing to great effect, in large part due to the decreased waste and higher degree of accuracy in production. Subtractive manufacturing produces a lot of construction debris, and this can translate into wasted money for a business owner. By only using exactly what is needed, 3D printing requires much less supply, and can take advantage of different kinds of materials. You may not need to keep a whole warehouse full of supplies, if you have a 3D printer. With 3D printing, businesses are able to better predict how long a particular process will take, and ultimately guarantee a more consistent result over time.

Does 3D Printing Change the Construction Industry’s Workflow?

The construction industry has a workflow that can sometimes create bottlenecks that slow productivity and even waste money unnecessarily. Experts say that the increasing popularity of 3D printing may eventually alter the supply chain for construction on the whole, because companies will be purchasing more raw materials instead of finished products. As a contractor, having access to 3D printing services could help you save time on projects. If you can get the completed items without having to go as far up the supply chain, you may be able to deliver on expectations in a shorter period of time.

How Could 3D Printing Benefit a Contractor?

When you start a contracting business, you have to decide how much of the work you will do on your own, and which tasks you need to outsource to other professionals or subcontractors. If you plan to work in a field that manufactures parts of a structure, you might be able to use a 3D printer to create the components for building. This could allow you to bring more of the tasks in-house. Although buying and operating a 3D printer is a notable investment, in time, you may find that it actually saves you money. If you put in the time to learn how to use the machines and the software that they use to build components, you can complement your career and stay competitive in a changing market.

The future of construction involves less waste, lower energy consumption, and a better product at the end of the project. Making 3D printing a part of your contracting business may help you cut unnecessary costs while you satisfy customer requirements. To start your career as a contractor, go to CSLS today!