Week 2 - 3D Manufacturing Capabilities

3D printing over the past few years has started to take hold as far more than just small toy like plastic models and has started to creep into everyday use as production of large scale models even 3D printed structures is on the rise.  The applications of 3D printing are endless only limited by our imagination.  One researcher, Behrokh Khoshnevis, has teamed up with NASA looking at the potential for 3D printing in space.  Now when talking 3D printing in space we are not talking small-scale parts and pieces we are talking large scale moon and mars colonies.  NASA is hoping to use Khoshnevis’s research to land 3D printing rovers on the surface of Mars and the Moon to first start by laying down landing pads on the uneven dust ridden surfaces of these locations.  Being able to lay these pads without human interaction could lay the groundwork for manned missions to space with greater capacity and safety as one of the biggest obstacles for such a mission is the landing.

Beyond just the futuristic implementation of 3D printing technology in space here on earth the use of 3D printing in all phases of the design and construction are being explored.  Architects and Engineers are using 3D models as a way to move off of the PowerPoint screen and on to the table where their clients can touch and see their dreams come to life.  Just recently a design firm, HDR, used two large-scale 3D printed models to help win a $3.9 billion job for the redesign and construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York.  These models consisted of a 12ft by 5ft high resolution model depicting the bridges entire span down to the houses the brides piers will sit next to on the banks of the Hudson and a 8ft by 3ft section of the bridges towers and structure deck elements.  HDR feels that these models were key to their successful bid for the job.  While these $30,000 models may not be used for every project as cost of 3D printing continues to decrease more and more RFPs may include 3D models.  After the design phase 3D printing may even be used in the construction phase.  Tuner Construction recently used a 3D model to help visualize and coordinate a complex curtainwall construction on one of their projects.  The model actually had color-coordinated pieces representing which trades had what elements of the curtainwall.  In addition to Khoshevis research and its space use he is working on homes formed by 3D modeling.  Using zero-slump concrete he is able to construct homes with an industrial scale 3D Printer.

All these advancements in 3D printing just astound me.  The opportunities in design and construction that are to follow this recent boom are going to push the boundaries.  These ideas once thought impossible or un-constructable are soon to become a reality.  Just think about being able to print a beam or other supporting members along only their principle stress lines?  This could make building more material efficient and lead to more organic interesting structures.

References:

Tom Sawyer, "Bigger Better Faster - Digitally printed 3D models have charm and bid-winning authority-and maybe a role soon in full-scale construction", Engineering News-Record, December 16/23, 2013, Page 24-27