Old and traditional architecture, construction, and engineering practices are gone. Standard methodologies, techniques, and tools are now replaced with innovative methods and mechanisms.
Everywhere, you see huge construction, long bridges, skyscrapers, and other mega structures of complex and sophisticated designs are all products of ingenious techniques and tools that the AEC industry has utilized for years including 3D printing.
In recent years, 3D printing has advanced in the ways building projects are built. From its original use for product prototyping, 3D printers have progressed from model printing and making, to becoming useful, key materials within the AEC industry. We understand how 3D Printing is applied with reverse engineering, so why not think outside the box and see how this can expand dramatically?
But why is 3D printing a favourable solution to the AEC industry? What are the benefits that 3D printing has to offer?
Speed
3D printing has shown its capabilities when it comes to building any building project in just days. What used to take weeks or months can now be accomplished only in a couple of days or 24 hours.
Although this depends on the size and the type of construction you are working on, this is still a faster timeframe and easier adjustment compared when doing conventional and manual methods.
With a speedy turnaround time, contractors can deliver more building projects which means more profits. Besides, this will make your clients happy which in turn can gain more clients through recommendations and referrals.
Design constraints and limitations
Now, architects, engineers, and designers can come up with unique designs to the desire of their clients. Besides, showcasing your portfolio is an affordable yet effective way to promote your brand.
You can virtually make any designs that you want; in different angles or shapes. Instead of offering the standard common designs, 3D printing allows you to create atypical designs which are too expensive when done manually at the same time giving you an edge over your competitors. With your “new” designs you may be able to reach markets that seem to be inaccessible before.
Reduced human error
Because construction works can be automated when 3D printing technology is incorporated, mistakes and human error are reduced. Not only that, automation and programming decrease job and worksite related injuries. Professionals now seek measured building survey services to ensure complete accuracy from the very beginning. Receiving information and data from a 3D laser scanning and measured building survey company ensures you have complete confidence with your data and documentation. Apply the results of a 3D laser scanning survey into the wondrous world of new technology, including 3D printing services.
Waste reduction
Construction contributes 1 billion tons of waste every year to the total construction waste (materials from excavation, demolition, roadwork, plastic, metal, ceramics, and other complex waste) worldwide. According to Construction Dive, the number will nearly double to 2.2 billion by 2025.
While it is true that 3D printing will not be able to address all these construction-related wastes, this can be reduced.
3D printing can project an estimate as to how much materials are needed for completing building projects. Your organization can save a lot of money instead of ordering construction materials in bulk and end up wasting a large part of these unused.
Besides, if this waste reduction benefit is paired with other Earth-friendly processes, the potential for a zero-waste building is possible. And with this, your organization will be lauded for choosing to be nature-friendly. With this, you will get another venue to promote your brand to a wider market while being socially responsible.
But despite these several benefits, architecture, engineering, and construction specialists are not very keen on adopting this technology due to some factors, and the topmost on the list is the high cost.
The high amount involved in purchasing or renting the equipment may be one of the biggest challenges. The upfront cost can be too much considering that this does not include materials and maintenance. But despite the upfront cost challenge, 3D printing is a beneficial solution to the AEC industry.
The advantages are too great to go unnoticed and it won’t be long until contractors, engineers, architects, and designers will fully embrace and utilised 3D printing.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for professional help from the experts in 3D laser scanning, Manchester Measured Survey is ready to assist you.
