Kerala's first building constructed using 3D printing technology has been named Amaze-28 and was recently inaugurated by Revenue Minister K Rajan.
- The building is a one-room summer house with a 380 sq ft area. It is located in the Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra (Kesnik) campus at PTP Nagar in Thiruvananthapuram.
- The project was completed in just 28 days and serves as a demonstration model.
- Kerala State Nirmiti Kerndra completed the project with the support of Tvasta, a Chennai-based construction tech start-up launched by some IIT-Madras alumni.
- According to Kerala State Nirmiti Kendram Director Debi Varghese, they have received inquiries from various government and private agencies.
- The team is planning to commercialize and popularize the 3D printing technology. In 3D printing, there are three processes: data processing, material processing, and robotic printing.
- The material processing stage involves converting an object or structure into a 3D model, which is then printed layer-by-layer.
India’s first 3D printed post office was opened in Bengaluru.
Benefits of 3D Printing in Construction
Faster Speed of Construction
- The biggest advantage of using a 3D printer in construction would be the speed with which the projects could be completed.
Low waste construction
- The construction industry is a major contributor to global waste production. A 3D printer uses the resources with precision, thus cutting down any wastage.
Reduced health and safety hazards
- The use of 3D printers in concrete work can reduce health risks. Using a 3D printer for these jobs could minimize the risks of injuries and fatalities. That’s one of the prime reasons to try this technology in the construction industry.
Increased accuracy
- 3D printing can help construction companies achieve a greater level of accuracy when building concrete structures. In a 3D printing process, instead of using traditional molds to pour concrete, 3D concrete printing technology pours materials in layers using a computerized process.
High level of design freedom
- Architects and designers can create intricate designs with ease using 3D printing technology, which is more cost-effective and less labor-intensive than traditional methods.
Tailored Constructions
- In traditional construction, customization was time-consuming and labor-intensive. But 3D printing ensures enhanced structural integrity. It also allows the alteration of certain parts to fit certain requirements.