The construction sector experienced a sharp decline in growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, primari due to a significant decrease in demand for new residential and commercial spaces. Moreover, the supply chain disruptions caused by social distancing norms and travel restrictions also hampered the completion of new projects. As a result of these factors, many leading construction companies faced severe losses. These players have adopted new technologies and innovations to improve their productivity and efficiency to revive the industry in the post-pandemic period. The rising integration of additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing in construction activities is an example of the trend.
Revolutionizing the construction sector using additive manufacturing techniques
The use of 3D printing in construction activities mainly involves the creation of three-dimensional objects from computer-aided design (CAD) models. The distinctive feature of this additive manufacturing technique is its layer-by-layer production process with the help of a 3D printer. Along with CAD software application, building modeling information (BIM) technology is also being used to generate precise architectural designs, thus enhancing the utility of 3D printing construction.
Allied Market Research, recently, published a report on the 3D printing construction market which highlights that the industry is anticipated to gather a revenue of $3.3 trillion by 2032. The sector accounted for $5.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to rise at a CAGR of 105.8% during 2024-2032. The various advantages offered by additive manufacturing techniques have contributed to the expansion of the landscape.
The increasing awareness regarding green buildings has played an important role in the gradual shift of construction companies toward 3D printing techniques. As per several civil engineering studies, the use of additive manufacturing techniques to produce different building components reduces raw material wastage by around 60%. This not only ensures environmental sustainability but also reduces the cost of infrastructure projects substantially. Companies are thus maximizing their profits by adopting advanced 3D printing construction technologies.
Moreover, surveys conducted by leading architectural institutes have shown that the use of additive manufacturing helps companies automate most of the cumbersome yet dangerous construction activities, thereby improving worker safety. Additionally, 3D printing construction technologies reduce the time required for project completion. This brings down the chances of cost overruns and helps contractors expand their source of income in the long run. Furthermore, the design flexibility offered by additive manufacturing enables builders and architects to offer tailored solutions to their customers, thus improving their brand image substantially.
Ingenious products by Holcim and AJAX Engineering helping the industry flourish
In July 2023, Holcim, a major building material group, announced the launch of Iroko, the first-ever commercial construction 3D printer made in Africa. The solution has been jointly developed by 14Trees, a sustainable housing solutions provider, and British International Investment, a capital market company. Holcim, in its press release, has stated that the product has been designed to optimize the usage of raw materials, thus helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Miljan Gutovic, Region Head of Europe, highlighted that this advanced solution is in line with the company’s goal of decarbonizing the construction industry.
In January 2024, AJAX Engineering, a leading concrete equipment manufacturer, unveiled its own 3D concrete printing machine. Shubhabrata Saha, CEO of AJAX Engineering, stated that the tool helps contractors create physical objects from CAD models, thus offering design flexibility and reducing material wastage significantly.
Winding up, the increased adoption of additive manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing by several construction companies has created favorable conditions for the growth of the industry. The rising awareness regarding environmental sustainability has impacted the landscape favorably. Moreover, the launch of several high-tech solutions by leading multinational industry giants has opened new avenues for growth in the sector.
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