26.6. 3D Printing in Construction: Apis Cor (Russia/USA)

ApisCor uses mobile 3D printers for on-site house construction using cementitious material.

ApisCor is a company that specializes in using 3D printing technology to build houses directly at construction sites. They utilize mobile 3D printers that can create structures using materials that are primarily cement-based. This method allows for the efficient creation of building components, reducing the need for traditional construction methods and materials.

Imagine having a printer that can print a house instead of just paper. Just as a regular printer can produce pages quickly and efficiently, a 3D printer from ApisCor effortlessly constructs walls and other elements of a house, layer by layer, using concrete-like substances.

• Humans design the digital model, manage material supply, and perform electrical/plumbing work. • Robot autonomously prints structural walls layer by layer.

In the 3D printing process at ApisCor, humans play a crucial role in the workflow. First, they design the architectural model of the house digitally using specialized software. After that, they take care of supplying the necessary materials for the construction. While the humans manage these tasks, the robot takes over the actual printing of the walls, building them layer by layer without direct human intervention. This combination optimizes efficiency by allowing humans to focus on design and finishing tasks.

Think of it like baking a cake. You (the human) prepare the ingredients and mix them according to a recipe (the digital model). Meanwhile, an automatic cake dispenser (the robot) pours the batter into layers in the pan until the cake is ready. The human focuses on preparation and decoration while the dispenser ensures that each layer is perfectly made.

• World's largest 3D-printed building using one robotic arm.

ApisCor has achieved a significant milestone in the field of 3D printing by creating the world's largest 3D-printed building, which is the Dubai Municipality Office. This impressive feat was accomplished using a single robotic arm, demonstrating the capabilities and scale that 3D printing technology can reach in the construction industry. It showcases how well 3D printing can be integrated into modern construction techniques.

Imagine constructing a huge sandcastle on the beach using just one shovel. If that shovel is incredibly efficient and accurate, you could create a massive structure much more quickly than if you were using traditional methods with many tools and helpers. The Dubai Municipality Office is like that giant sandcastle, but built with advanced technology instead of sand.

• Cost-effective, sustainable housing. • Minimal waste and labor cost. • Faster project turnaround.

The use of 3D printing in construction, as demonstrated by ApisCor, has several significant impacts. First, it reduces costs associated with traditional building methods, making housing more affordable. It also promotes sustainability by minimizing waste produced during construction since the printing process is highly accurate. Additionally, the speed of construction is greatly increased, allowing projects to be completed much faster than conventional methods.

Consider 3D printing in construction like using an assembly line in a factory for cars. Just as assembly lines streamline the car-making process, making it faster and cheaper, 3D printing does the same for building houses. It reduces the raw materials needed (less waste) and lowers labor costs because the robot handles the repetitive printing tasks.

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