Using 3D Printing to Fix City Infrastructures
The 3D printing process is growing in popularity and exposure. This fascinating process involving a robotic device shooting out tiny bits of matter sticking together to form parts and pieces is so transforming that it can change the world. Already used on a smaller scale to make parts for cars and medical procedures, the 3D printing process is set to take over how we build our cities and structure our housing.
Dubai has been one of the biggest leaders in using 3D printing technology to build its city. They formed the “Smart Dubai Plan” which includes building transportation infrastructure and a marine station. They also use 3D printers for vending machines and entry gate parts in this plan. In addition, they formed the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy which requires every new structure to be made of 25% 3D printed parts.
In other areas around the globe, the Dutch recently revealed the very first 3D-printed bridge made of steel. This is the first of its kind in the world. China is also on board with their bus stops made of 3D-printed parts from recycled materials. Their innovation is changing the way cities view recycling waste and funneling materials such as plastics to these new markets.
3D printing can also help urban planners visualize new transportation routes and therefore allow for a better vehicle design. Local Motors was innovative in designing a self-driven smart shuttle named Olli. It was entirely created with a 3D printer. It too is partially made from recycled materials. In the process, it reduces emissions through shared transportation—all important in the smart cities of the future.
Because the U.S. tends to have more permitting requirements and other regulations, it has been slower to use this new technology to build its infrastructures. However, there are companies in the U.S. that have also put this technology to work. One example is Mighty Buildings in Oakland, California.
Mighty Buildings use 3D printing technology to form layers of deposit that is like stone. Once hardened by ultraviolet light, it is both water and fire-resistant. They then print walls layer by layer and fill them with foam insulation. They use this process to create 350-square-foot studio-like buildings that can be used as storage, spare bedrooms, offices, or gyms. The cost for one of these structures has been around $115,000 plus installation.
Processes and buildings like these can go a long way in solving housing crises around the world. Specifically in the U.S., companies like ICON join Mighty Buildings in coming up with more affordable housing to solve issues like homelessness which has taken over some cities. City officials are hopeful this could be a possible solution that needs exploration.
What city officials face in the U.S. is adapting building codes to fit this new technology. They also have to rethink the permit processes, and all of this takes time. According to Worldbank.org, “Innovations will also be required across the housing sector’s complex value chain regarding land use, infrastructure, and access to finance.” For example, in urban areas, land is more expensive than construction. Using 3D technology to go vertical is vital for “solving the global deficit.”
All in all, it’s clear why 3D printing is useful for constructing cities. The technology allows for much less expensive structures created at a faster pace. Because parts can be designed and mass-produced (and made from an additive rather than reductive procedure), the resulting waste is greatly reduced as compared to typical construction.
Does this technology appeal to you in the business you’re in? Tronix3D is your design and manufacturing partner for all things additive. They provide custom parts and design services for the 3D printing industry and specialize in producing low-volume production and prototype parts. Their printing processes include HP Multijet Fusion (HPMJF), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Stereolithography (SLA). Tronix 3D’s customers include those in the robotics, energy, medical, and defense industries. You can find them at www.tronix3d.com.
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