REVIEW ON THE 3D PRINTING IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Arjun M P
(Post -graduation student, Department of Civil Engineering ,Christ University,Kengeri)

ABSTRACT
Technologies have a noticeable impact on our evolving business system, It has changed the
way, we people do business. Now, here comes the word 3D printers, wherein the last 3 dec-
ades, we have noticed its remarkable growth in the additive manufacturing industry. 3D
printing technologies allow us to design optimization and have serious advantages over con-
vention manufacturing methods. All Industries must adapt themselves to this new system so
that they could survive in the rapidly changing ruthless habitat. There is huge pressure,
emerging in the Construction Industry to adapt to the new technological developments.
Hence, 3D printing technology has gained a lot of attention in the Construction Industry as a
new technological change that needs to be implemented in the industry, for its survival.
Keywords:- 3D Build Printing Technology, Advantages and Disadvantages.

1.INTRODUCTION

Industries have begun to re-es-

tablish their
production systems with the
developing technology.
3D printing technology has
also been improving of
late years, along with additive
manufacturing. 3D

1
printing technologies enable
design optimization
and have advantages over tra-
ditional manufacturing
methods.
Industries have begun to re-es-
tablish their
production systems with the
developing technology.
3D printing technology has
also been improving of
late years, along with additive
manufacturing. 3D
printing technologies enable
design optimization

2
and have advantages over tra-
ditional manufacturing
methods.
Industries have begun to re-es-
tablish their
production systems with the
developing technology.
3D printing technology has
also been improving of
late years, along with additive
manufacturing. 3D
printing technologies enable
design optimization
and have advantages over tra-
ditional manufacturing
methods.
3
Industries have begun to re-es-
tablish their
production systems with the
developing technology.
3D printing technology has
also been improving of
late years, along with additive
manufacturing. 3D
printing technologies enable
design optimization
and have advantages over tra-
ditional manufacturing
metho
The construction industry plays an important role in the socio-economic development of any
country. Today, the construction industry is changing rapidly due to the increasing standard
of living, the demand for infrastructure projects as well as the growing popula-
tion. Growth has contributed significantly to carbon emissions, energy demand and wa-
ter waste. As a result, the construction industry began to revive its production system with
the evolving technology. 3D printing is a computer-controlled technology that helps us build
three-dimensional objects through additive manufacturing, creating objects by adding layers
to them, and has developed as a potential solution to reduce energy requirements, wa-
ter waste and carbon emissions. There are different types of manufacturing techniques in 3D
printing. Contouring, D-shape, concrete printing, and sprayed concrete 3D printing are the
four main 3D printing processes among them. Sketch technology is the most promising 3D

4
printing technique used in the construction industry. The material is poured layer by layer in
this technology, but the whole process takes place on site. This technology presents a
huge opportunity for automating construction processes using 3D printers that can print entire
homes on-site.
Construction Industry as a new technological change that needs to be implemented in the in-
dustry, for its survival. The main objective of this paper is to review comparing cost between
the traditional method and 3D-Printing technology, Time comparison between the traditional
method and 3D Build printing technology,The paper proceeds in recognizing how much 3D
printing is effective as compared to the conventional method .

2.3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS USED

Traditional manufacturing
methods are based on
the principle of subtracting
material from the raw
material during the manufac-
ture of parts. In additive
manufacturing, which is one of
the new production
techniques that has become
widespread today,
unlike traditional manufactur-
ing methods based on
5
material reduction techniques
from the part, the part
is produced directly from the
material. The device
used in manufacturing manu-
factures the part layer
by layer by following a tool
path derived from the
geometry of the part to be pro-
duced. It is possible to
produce parts with complex
geometries and the loss
of material during manufactur-
ing is at a minimum
level due to this unique feature
of additive
6
manufacturing [2].
The foundations of the addit-
ive manufacturing
method date back to the 1980s.
It is known that the
SLA-1 device produced by the
3D System company
is the first 3D printer system
[3]. Additive
manufacturing is one of the
modern manufacturing
methods that has gained im-
portance in recent years.
It is a form of manufacturing
in which the 3D model

7
is obtained by adding layer by
layer the powders to
be built using geometric data.
With additive
manufacturing methods, parts
with complex
geometry can be obtained
quickly [4]. The 3D
manufacturing process is di-
vided into subclasses
such as SLA (Stereolitho-
graphy), SLS (Selective
Laser Sintering), FDM (Fused
Deposition
Modelling), DLP (Digital
Light Processing), EBM
8
(Electron Beam Melting) and
LOM (Laminated
Object Manufacturing) accord-
ing to the materials
used and the principle of com-
bining materials.
Table 1 shows a comparison of
some additive
manufacturing methods [5].
3D printing technology, which
has caused
changes by breaking new
ground in diverse sectors,
has moreover affected the con-
struction sector.

9
Building production in con-
struction contains of
significant stages like design,
projecting and
implementation. With the im-
provement of
innovation, digital manufactur-
ing has been used for
Traditional manufacturing
methods are based on
the principle of subtracting
material from the raw
material during the manufac-
ture of parts. In additive
manufacturing, which is one of
the new production
10
techniques that has become
widespread today,
unlike traditional manufactur-
ing methods based on
material reduction techniques
from the part, the part
is produced directly from the
material. The device
used in manufacturing manu-
factures the part layer
by layer by following a tool
path derived from the
geometry of the part to be pro-
duced. It is possible to
produce parts with complex
geometries and the loss
11
of material during manufactur-
ing is at a minimum
level due to this unique feature
of additive
manufacturing [2].
The foundations of the addit-
ive manufacturing
method date back to the 1980s.
It is known that the
SLA-1 device produced by the
3D System company
is the first 3D printer system
[3]. Additive
manufacturing is one of the
modern manufacturing

12
methods that has gained im-
portance in recent years.
It is a form of manufacturing
in which the 3D model
is obtained by adding layer by
layer the powders to
be built using geometric data.
With additive
manufacturing methods, parts
with complex
geometry can be obtained
quickly [4]. The 3D
manufacturing process is di-
vided into subclasses
such as SLA (Stereolitho-
graphy), SLS (Selective
13
Laser Sintering), FDM (Fused
Deposition
Modelling), DLP (Digital
Light Processing), EBM
(Electron Beam Melting) and
LOM (Laminated
Object Manufacturing) accord-
ing to the materials
used and the principle of com-
bining materials.
Table 1 shows a comparison of
some additive
manufacturing methods [5].
3D printing technology, which
has caused

14
changes by breaking new
ground in diverse sectors,
has moreover affected the con-
struction sector.
Building production in con-
struction contains of
significant stages like design,
projecting and
implementation. With the im-
provement of
innovation, digital manufactur-
ing has been used for
Traditional manufacturing
methods are based on
the principle of subtracting
material from the raw
15
material during the manufac-
ture of parts. In additive
manufacturing, which is one of
the new production
techniques that has become
widespread today,
unlike traditional manufactur-
ing methods based on
material reduction techniques
from the part, the part
is produced directly from the
material. The device
used in manufacturing manu-
factures the part layer
by layer by following a tool
path derived from the
16
geometry of the part to be pro-
duced. It is possible to
produce parts with complex
geometries and the loss
of material during manufactur-
ing is at a minimum
level due to this unique feature
of additive
manufacturing [2].
The foundations of the addit-
ive manufacturing
method date back to the 1980s.
It is known that the
SLA-1 device produced by the
3D System company

17
is the first 3D printer system
[3]. Additive
manufacturing is one of the
modern manufacturing
methods that has gained im-
portance in recent years.
It is a form of manufacturing
in which the 3D model
is obtained by adding layer by
layer the powders to
be built using geometric data.
With additive
manufacturing methods, parts
with complex
geometry can be obtained
quickly [4]. The 3D
18
manufacturing process is di-
vided into subclasses
such as SLA (Stereolitho-
graphy), SLS (Selective
Laser Sintering), FDM (Fused
Deposition
Modelling), DLP (Digital
Light Processing), EBM
(Electron Beam Melting) and
LOM (Laminated
Object Manufacturing) accord-
ing to the materials
used and the principle of com-
bining materials.
Table 1 shows a comparison of
some additive
19
manufacturing methods [5].
3D printing technology, which
has caused
changes by breaking new
ground in diverse sectors,
has moreover affected the con-
struction sector.
Building production in con-
struction contains of
significant stages like design,
projecting and
implementation. With the im-
provement of
innovation, digital manufactur-
ing has been used for

20
Traditional manufacturing
methods are based on
the principle of subtracting
material from the raw
material during the manufac-
ture of parts. In additive
manufacturing, which is one of
the new production
techniques that has become
widespread today,
unlike traditional manufactur-
ing methods based on
material reduction techniques
from the part, the part
is produced directly from the
material. The device
21
used in manufacturing manu-
factures the part layer
by layer by following a tool
path derived from the
geometry of the part to be pro-
duced. It is possible to
produce parts with complex
geometries and the loss
of material during manufactur-
ing is at a minimum
level due to this unique feature
of additive
manufacturing [2].
The foundations of the addit-
ive manufacturing

22
method date back to the 1980s.
It is known that the
SLA-1 device produced by the
3D System company
is the first 3D printer system
[3]. Additive
manufacturing is one of the
modern manufacturing
methods that has gained im-
portance in recent years.
It is a form of manufacturing
in which the 3D model
is obtained by adding layer by
layer the powders to
be built using geometric data.
With additive
23
manufacturing methods, parts
with complex
geometry can be obtained
quickly [4]. The 3D
manufacturing process is di-
vided into subclasses
such as SLA (Stereolitho-
graphy), SLS (Selective
Laser Sintering), FDM (Fused
Deposition
Modelling), DLP (Digital
Light Processing), EBM
(Electron Beam Melting) and
LOM (Laminated
Object Manufacturing) accord-
ing to the materials
24
used and the principle of com-
bining materials.
Table 1 shows a comparison of
some additive
manufacturing methods [5].
3D printing technology, which
has caused
changes by breaking new
ground in diverse sectors,
has moreover affected the con-
struction sector.
Building production in con-
struction contains of
significant stages like design,
projecting and

25
implementation. With the im-
provement of
innovation, digital manufactur-
ing has been used for
Traditional manufacturing
methods are based on
the principle of subtracting
material from the raw
material during the manufac-
ture of parts. In additive
manufacturing, which is one of
the new production
techniques that has become
widespread today,
unlike traditional manufactur-
ing methods based on
26
material reduction techniques
from the part, the part
is produced directly from the
material. The device
used in manufacturing manu-
factures the part layer
by layer by following a tool
path derived from the
geometry of the part to be pro-
duced. It is possible to
produce parts with complex
geometries and the loss
of material during manufactur-
ing is at a minimum
level due to this unique feature
of additive
27
manufacturing [2].
The foundations of the addit-
ive manufacturing
method date back to the 1980s.
It is known that the
SLA-1 device produced by the
3D System company
is the first 3D printer system
[3]. Additive
manufacturing is one of the
modern manufacturing
methods that has gained im-
portance in recent years.
It is a form of manufacturing
in which the 3D model

28
is obtained by adding layer by
layer the powders to
be built using geometric data.
With additive
manufacturing methods, parts
with complex
geometry can be obtained
quickly [4]. The 3D
manufacturing process is di-
vided into subclasses
such as SLA (Stereolitho-
graphy), SLS (Selective
Laser Sintering), FDM (Fused
Deposition
Modelling), DLP (Digital
Light Processing), EBM
29
(Electron Beam Melting) and
LOM (Laminated
Object Manufacturing) accord-
ing to the materials
used and the principle of com-
bining materials.
Table 1 shows a comparison of
some additive
manufacturing methods [5].
3D printing technology, which
has caused
changes by breaking new
ground in diverse sectors,
has moreover affected the con-
struction sector.

30
Building production in con-
struction contains of
significant stages like design,
projecting and
implementation. With the im-
provement of
innovation, digital manufactur-
ing has been used for
3D printing technology, which has caused changes by breaking new ground in diverse sec-
tors, has moreover affected the construction sector. Building production in construction con-
tains of significant stages like design, projecting and implementation. With the improvement
of innovation, digital manufacturing has been used for a long time in the design and project-
ing phase of buildings. The design and projection of the building is supported two-dimen-
sional (2D) drawings and scale models. Today, 2D drawings and prototypes are replaced by
three-dimensional (3D) modelling techniques. In the last years, the interest in 3D printing
technology has increased because of the fact that it provides design freedom, less error mar-
gin, less material wastage, less waste material, and reduced cost compared to the traditional
method in the construction industry. 3D printing is a futuristic technology that creates 3D ob-
jects by the recurring process of the physical objects with continuous layers being formed up.
Freshly, from polymer and steel, the industry has leapt forward utilizing concrete with poten-
tial implementation in construction engineering. Anecdotally, these technologies proved to
lower the production time, shrink wastage and reduce labour costs remarkably. The provoca-
tion which circumscribed the 3D printing incorporate lack of standard building codes, great
scale investment, effective execution and architectural designs.
Industrial 3D printing is a manufacturing-driven process that produces physical materials and
objects from a digital plan or design. It employs large-scale machinery into which an engin-
eer inputs floor plans and building designs. Concrete and other building materials are then fed
into the machine. An extendable arm, or nozzle Fig(a), then applies the mix of building ma-
terials in thin layers, guided by software. The entirety of the building or structure is then pro-
duced (or “printed”) according to the engineer’s specifications, one layer at a time. While
methods vary, many 3D printing techniques require very little additional assembly from
workers.

31
 Fig (a): Extendable arm or Nozzle

(i)Structures built with 3D printing

 Dubais Warsan building holds the Guinness World Record for the largest onsite 3D
printed structure.The construction was 3D printed onsite using Mineral infused fluids
that solidify into concrete, eliminating the nees for any additional assembly labour.
The structure stans 9.5m metre tall, covers 640 sqm and was built entirely of local
materials.(Fig b)

Fig(b):Dubais Warsan

 Shangai pedestrian Bridge, the world’s largest pedestrian bridge 3D Printed entirely
in concrete was competed at start of 2019 in Shanghai’s Boashan district, China. (Fig

32
 c

Fig (c):Shangai pedestrian Bridge, China

 IIT-Madras startup Tvasta  has built India’s first 3D printed house. It was inaugur-
ated on the IIT Madras campus on Tuesday. The 1BHK house has a built-up area of
600 square feet, has a bedroom, a hall and a kitchen. The entire house was designed
using software and 3D printing.(Fig c)

Fig(c): India’s first 3D printed house in Madras

3.ADVANTAGE
 Environment Friendly

33
Conventional Portland cement production results in significant emissions of carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases. The cement industry is responsible for about 8% of all carbon di-
oxide emissions into the atmosphere. In such a case, limestone can be used because limestone
is less toxic and has a lower environmental impact than Portland cement during the manufac-
turing process. It can be used in concrete for 3D printing instead of standard Portland cement
without sacrificing the quality of the printed mix.

 Budget-friendly in the long run.

3D printing has additional shipping and assembly costs that the customer must bear during

off-site construction. Cost savings from on-site 3D printing are much more likely to be
passed on to new homeowners as builders maintain healthy profit margins despite overall
cost savings. Also note that aerospace companies such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Pratt &
Whitney use his 3D printing to produce metal parts, mostly for jet engines. It's cheaper than
machining a block of metal, and complex components are often lighter than traditional parts.
3D printed homes are said to be cheaper to build, but this is controversial as large-scale 3D
printers are expensive devices and still have many limitations. But let's stick to the facts
and figures.
 Time-Saving.

3D printed homes, including full finishes and furnishings, can be completed in just a few

days with onsite 3D construction printing. Elimination of transit delay times means
less stress for his 3D printing company on the building. This time savings is therefore
passed directly to the consumer. That means more opportunities to 3D print
more homes than have a backlog of shipments and construction.

 Unique Building Opportunities.

The intrinsic nature of 3D printing allows for complex shapes and forms to be produced
without extra effort. For example, a concrete 3D printer can create intricately curved walls
just easily as straight ones. Unconventional architecture can enhance how buildings look
from the outside and even optimize internal spaces.

 Higher Material Efficiency.

The process of 3D printed houses is more efficient in terms of energy and material consump-

tion compared to traditional buildings.3D printers use only the amount of material needed to
build a structure, resulting in less waste. No leftovers when cutting or engraving materi-
als. Additionally, the concrete-based starting material is amorphous, so the leftovers can be
used in your next building.

4.LIMITATION
 Materials: The biggest challenge concerns 3D printing materials. Critical issues can
be grouped into three categories: printability, buildability, and open time. The mater-

34
 ial must have the desired printability and moldability to retain its shape when ex-
truded from the die. Other important issues are printability and buildability. The ma-
terial should support itself quickly, and the layers should establish good connec-
tions with each other. The third challenge is open time. Printability and buildability
must remain constant and within tolerance during open time.
 Construction location: Another difficulty is determining the construction site. The
open environment of construction sites may not be suitable for 3D printers that re-
quire a more regulated environment. In addition, the 3D printer can be difficult to
move and set up due to possible changes in site conditions.
 New technology: 3D printing is unlikely to replace traditional buildings in the next
few years. Both technologies are likely to exist in the industry, and 3D printing will
evolve alongside older processes, especially in more complex construction projects. to
support them.
 Building costs: Cost can be reduced with 3D printing, but the high cost of printers is a
major drawback.
 Skilled labours: Requires skilled workers as knowledge of CAD and 3D printing soft-
ware is required.

5.CONCLUSION
As can be concluded from the data above, 3D printing the is effective compared to traditional
construction methods.. As a result, the is environmentally friendly and reduces labour costs.
Demand for 3D printing is increasing worldwide and is the future of the construction in-
dustry. Comparing the time comparison between old traditional methods and 3D print-
ing, the time consumed by 3D printing technology is very small. The demand for is increas-
ing so effectively and efficiently that in the coming years all companies will have to adapt
this technology to survive in the business world. The benefits, time and cost descriptions
are based on my research and I found an overall trend. 3D printing technology is
still new and has many limitations, there are great expectations and hopes for the future of 3D
printed buildings and components. Various applications for 3D printers and the development
of new filament materials that could potentially ensure different properties of
transparency,thermal insulation or strength are under development.

6.REFERENCE
 WISUN, available from: www.yhbm.com, (2016).
 Ibrahim Engin Ozturk and Gozde Başak Oztur. The Future of 3D Printing Techno-
logy in the Construction Industry: a Systematic Literature Review(2018)
 Jake Kidwell Best Practices and Applications of 3D printing in the Construction In-
dustry(2017)

35
 Behzad Nematollahia, Ming Xiab and Jay Sanjay. Current Progress of 3D Concrete
Printing Technologies.(2021)
 https://all3dp.com/2/3d-printed-house-big-thing/#i-8-8-global-spread

36