3D printing technology has been making strides in various industries, including manufacturing and healthcare, and is also bringing a paradigm shift in how we approach construction. While the West is leading the way in 3D construction technology, the Indian construction industry too is fast catching up.
Anil Sivadas, President, Enventure
The ground-breaking 3D modelling offers a remarkable level of design depth that one could not expect from 2D designs or rough sketches. It gives greater control over details and delivers an exact product as per the approved design and taking far lesser time to construct a building. This leads to quicker turnaround and mitigation of delays in project execution. In India, the 3D technology is making a lot of headway due to its many advantages.
Savings in cost and time
3D printing has the potential to significantly expedite construction processes compared to traditional methods, which saves cost as the project is commissioned early on and can start functioning. Since it allows the exact amount of material to be used for building a structure, there is reduced wastage at site.
Companies are seeing a sharp increase in the benefits of this technology, especially in locations requiring urgent construction of projects and where there is a shortage of labour. Use of 3D printers also cuts labour costs to a great extent. Traditional construction methods can delay projects while large projects take longer than expected and jack-up costs, while 3D printed projects can be completed in just days or weeks, depending on the magnitude of the project.
As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, we can look forward to a future where our digital experiences are more lifelike and interactive than ever before and where the government and private sector together make rapid strides in infra development. The possibilities are endless with such disruptive technologies.
Anil Sivadas
Innovation at its best
Innovation in 3D building continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and demand for more efficient, sustainable, and visually appealing structures. These innovations have the potential to reshape the way we design, construct, and interact with buildings and the built environment. This also provides an opportunity for skill development and employment generation in the field of advanced manufacturing.
Sustainability factor
3D printing has the potential to be more environmentally friendly than conventional construction methods due to reduced wastage of construction materials and reduced consumption of energy. This aligns with global and national efforts towards sustainable development and reduced carbon emissions. When this technology becomes mainstream, we will see more initiatives on taking this technology forward with sustainable construction a core focus.
Enables last minute design changes
3D printing allows last-minute changes to the design without delaying the construction process. It allows customization until just before starting the printing of the structure, and it also brings health and safety of workers at project sites. By understanding how to work with printers, workers can do their jobs more easily and enhance safety in the field.
3D-printed building opens in Bangalore
The 3D-printed post office building inaugurated in Bangalore recently has far-reaching implications; it is opening up a whole new world in the domain of construction. Its successful implementation could encourage exploration of similar applications in larger infrastructure projects such as housing, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, etc. As a showcase of technological innovation, it highlights the country’s progress in adopting advanced manufacturing techniques and cutting-edge technologies, fostering a reputation for technological prowess on the global stage.
