#037 - 3D PRINTING IN CONSTRUCTION

3D Printing is an additive manufacturing process to make three-dimensional objects from a digital CAD (Computer Aided Design) file previously created with a 3D modeling program or with the use of a 3D scanner. The device used in this process is called 3D printer, a kind of robot that create objects by adding a multitude of horizontal layers on top of each other.

More Info: http://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

A variety of materials can be used. Companies are now able to print silicone, latex, ceramic, clay, and a metals. 3D printing brings the ability to print anything you wish, from small objects like a jewellery to big things like houses.

Though this technology is extraordinary, it is also disruptive. The 3D printers’ prices are becoming increasingly affordable and surely everybody one day will own one. Knowing the humankind’s behaviours the risk would be a huge waste of energy to create useless objects that will end up to sit in landfill if not lost and forgot in the environment. This is just one of the numerous reason why the use of 3D printing technology should be regulated now before is too late.

3D printing in the construction sector is less worrying as it is already regulated. Still, there is a threat. The risk that people one day will desire to build ego feeding structures to please themselves and their ambitions without even thinking about the visual impact on surrounding environment. A debate should be opened or, like Mr D. Tail, one day on our way back from work, we will find a Smurfs’s home next to ours.