3D Printing Used in Coral Reef Restoration Initiatives
According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the ocean’s coral population has been reduced by 63% since the 1950s. This has dramatically impacted the biodiversity in the surrounding waters, including fish, mammals, plants, and other marine life. Some unique species could be irreversibly damaged as a result of the loss of their habitat. Therefore, many organizations have been searching for a way to restore these coral reefs and protect these unique and endangered species. One of the most successful methods used to rebuild these habitats is 3D printing.
In 2012, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) produced and tested the first 3D-printed coral reefs in Bahrain (engineering.com). However, these 3D-printed species are different from the naturally-grown coral reefs in the ocean. Using stereolithography (SLA) printers, the team printed in waterproof materials due to the artificial coral containing electronic processes that collect constant feedback from the surrounding ocean. This feedback allows the NOAA team to adjust the water in their facility to simulate the expected climate change conditions in the sea, therefore building a more threat-resistant species. Utilizing 3D printing has also saved the NOAA team both costs and resources compared to traditional manufacturing, being able to use about 70% of the materials from previous models when printing new parts. “We haven’t had to get more material since purchasing the machine,” says Nate Formel, senior research associate at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “3D printing allowed us to maintain the complexity of the research we wanted to carry out and do it for a fraction of the cost.” This research project will lend itself to further studies on preserving natural coral reefs as well as other marine life amidst climate change.
Another example of additive manufacturing being used to restore the coral reefs is by the Australian non-profit organization Reef Design Labs, which is designing and producing an artificial reef in the Maldives, home to the world’s seventh-largest coral reef system. Their project, entitled Modular Artificial Reef Structure (MARS), is the first artificial reef to be installed in the 1,200-island nation. Reef Design Labs’ 8.2-foot-tall structure is first printed in a hollow block of ceramic and then filled with concrete, which is then brought underwater and assembled. Various coral fragments are then attached with steel wire, allowing them to quickly multiply and attract nearby sea life to use the structure for shelter. “[The 3D-printed reefs] have all these contours and shapes that mimic the natural reefs, so that corals can easily attach themselves…which we can’t do just building regular concrete structures,” says Aminath Shauna, spokesperson for the Maldives. Smaller-scale initiatives such as these are considered immensely useful for oceanic climate change research and marine biology in general. This includes studies on different techniques of growing coral, as well as threats that natural reefs face. Alex Goad, Director of Reef Design Labs, states “I started Reef Design Labs to support marine research, that’s the main thing we do. I was interested in how MARS could help this cause: a permanent structure that had complexity and would allow other reef species [besides corals] to have a home.”
With clients in the robotics, energy, medical, and defense industries, Tronix3D has been involved with various innovative projects and technologies. Tronix3D is a contract-based additive manufacturing company operating in the Pittsburgh area that specializes in producing low-volume prototype parts as well as high-quality manufactured designs in as little as 24 hours. We assist customers with any step of the design process from the idea’s conception to its final production, offering 3D printing consulting and design services. To learn more about Tronix3D or receive an instant quote on your custom project, visit our site at www.tronix3d.com.