3D printing is undoubtedly the revolution of our century. Especially since it adapts to all sectors, and in particular to the construction sector. With new 3D printers and new printing materials, 3D printed homes are moving from dream to reality. In France, it is in Nantes that the first social housing printed in 3D was born. As this technology develops, larger projects will emerge. And in a few years, everyone should be able to have their dream house printed in 3D.

3D printing, a revolution in construction

3D printing is received with great enthusiasm in the construction sector, because it allows the manufacturing process to be completely rethought. Once perfected, this technology will save a lot of time. A two-week project can be completed in just 3 to 4 days. Tediousness and work-related risks will be considerably reduced. This is also good news for the planet, as 3D printing uses far fewer materials than conventional construction methods. For construction, 3D printing adds material instead of subtracting it, which reduces the environmental impact. And to produce very little waste. A significant advantage since concrete is one of the most used resources after water, and still recycles very badly.

3D printed house: how does it work?

Of course, you don't print a 3D house with a conventional 3D printer. The engineers have specially designed XL printers, which work with a robotic arm. It is therefore the machine arm that automatically deposits the material. These 3D XL printers can now print concrete, metal or plastic for example. But also sustainable and recyclable materials, which gives hope that 3D construction can meet environmental challenges.

Why print a 3D house?

Printing a house in 3D is therefore a revolution for the construction sector. But what are the advantages for future owners?

Design work is made easier

Before being used for construction, 3D printing was already used to work on designs, notably by architects. It's a very simple way to design plans and models, and adapt them to meet the needs of future owners. It is thus possible to obtain the house of its dreams, without surprise at the time of the construction. Because the only difference between the model and the house is the scale. The reproduction is done perfectly.

3D printing: much faster construction

Since the construction is automated, there is obviously a time saving. Because the machine can work continuously and maintain its precision. Thus, a small house can be printed in 3D in only one day. In a few years, we can imagine that this technology will be used by public authorities to rebuild housing after a natural disaster for example.

3D Printed House: Great Cost Reduction

3D printing also appears as a very interesting solution to reduce construction costs. Because this technology uses fewer materials, which obviously has an influence on the cost of the project. With a 3D printer, you only use the amount of material you really need. No waste and no hidden costs! This technique also reduces tooling and labour costs. On the site, there is only the machine and the person who programs it.

Print your 3D house where you want

The new 3D printing systems are also an opportunity to build wherever you want, within the limits of regulations of course. But this technology makes it easy and cheaper to build in remote locations that would be inaccessible to traditional construction machinery. The only condition is that the location is accessible for the printer.

Conclusion

If we can be enthusiastic about this revolutionary technology, there are still a few blocks to be lifted so that the printing of 3D houses becomes more democratic. Indeed, the 3D printing process for the building is not yet recognized as a real construction process, because of the standards in force. For example, it is difficult to perform strength and durability calculations for these constructions. The method must therefore still prove its worth before it can be recognised as a reliable construction process by the public authorities.