3D Printing - Cementing the Future of Technology

3D printing technology is already changing the way we produce objects for complex mechanical parts, construction, tools, toys, clothing, food and even body parts. It’s part of a process known as additive manufacturing, in which the 3D object is created by laying down successive layers of material. Theprinter will add one layer of the object at a time until a fully formed structure is made. When the printer receives the data, it imposes the material through a tube, melted and deposit it to the plate where it instantly cools.

As for the 3D printers, now smaller consumer-friendly 3D printers are becoming very popular in small scale industries as well as for personal use. The first step in 3D printing is to create a blueprint of the object. Printers like the MakerBot Replicator 2 have renewable bioplastics balls in the back of the device almost like a string which are used to create multiple designs. This superlative technology is being used in almost all fields nowadays. Even 3D printed food is becoming very popular. It can create pretty intricate candy and pizza designs, personalized meals, etc – with the advantage of consistency in taste and aroma.

The most revolutionary changes have and will continue to progress in the medical field. Research is currently being conducted on 3D printed small body parts and biomaterials for regenerated medicines by using patient cells. In the near future, the risk factor of transplant rejections by the body while receiving organs from another body could be eliminated by using 3D printed organs from the same cells of the patient.

3D printing has now moved into the construction sector and is set to eliminate the conventional method of construction. The technology will create an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional processes. The high-level of customization is also a major advantage. A special mixture of concrete is used for this type of 3D printing as concrete is one of the most resilient materials on earth. The printers can create the foundation as well as a wall system that replaces the conventional construction method of insulation, structure and mep. Furthermore, it reduces the man power, outlay and time. Latterly giant 3D printers in China printed 10 houses in just one day and at a cost of less than $5,000 per house proving just how cost and time-efficient it can be.

Concreative is the first large scale concrete 3D printing company in UAE with thelargest robotic printer. We were invited to the opening ceremony of their industrial site a few weeks ago. The technology is developed by the company XtreeE, partners of Concreative. Concreative merges architectural ideas and engineering constraints by offering a fully integrated range of services. They can work at all stages of the project life cycle, from concept design to installation. Their team designs and manufactures highly complex elements that could not be accomplished with standard formwork technics. Concreative claim to have the world’s largest 6-axis arm 3D printer which can print elements up to 3 metres tall and 5 metres in length in one go. The magnitude of this technology is limitless.3D printing is most definitely a format of the future and we can’t wait to see where it will take us.