Multi-Industry Applications of Large-Scale 3D Printing Projects

When most people think of 3D printing, they think of small machines used for prototyping, hobby projects, or making complex parts for industrial applications. However, large-scale 3D printing is a completely different field that can complete projects that were previously only possible in traditional manufacturing, such as construction, infrastructure, automotive, and aerospace. In this article, we will introduce some excellent examples of large-scale 3D printing, showing how this breakthrough technology is reshaping global industries.

Largest 3D Printed Building in Dubai by Apis Cor

American company Apis Cor has set a record for the largest 3D printed building in the city of Dubai, UAE. The administrative building is 9.5 meters high and covers an area of ​​640 square meters. The two-story building was built entirely on site without additional assembly. The structure type adopts a hybrid mode of traditional foundation + 3D printed walls. The 3D printing material used for the walls is a gypsum combination material created by Apis Cor and manufactured locally. All printing work was completed on site to show that the technology can withstand harsh environments without humidity or temperature control. Apis Cor's unique 3D printer uses a crane to move and reposition it on site, resulting in a larger print area than the one accessible when Apis Cor's 3D printer is stationary.

The Dubai government hopes to build 25% of its buildings using 3D printing technology by 2030, a move aimed at achieving environmental protection and sustainability by reducing construction waste and labor costs.

Source: https://parametric-architecture.com/apis-cor-completes-the-dubai-municipality-largest-3d-printed-construction/

12-Meter 3D Printed Pedestrian Bridge in Amsterdam

The 12-meter 3D printed pedestrian bridge designed by Joris Laarman and built by Dutch robotics company MX3D officially opened in Amsterdam in 2021. The bridge structure uses 4,500 kilograms of stainless steel, which was 3D printed by robots in a factory over six months and then lifted into position above the canal by crane this year.

The team leader in charge of the project said the technology shows how metal 3D printing technology can achieve more efficient structures using less material, which can significantly reduce the weight of parts manufactured in the tooling, oil and gas, and construction industries and reduce the impact on the environment.

The Alan Turing Institute and Arup installed a sensor network for the bridge, enabling it to collect data and build a digital twin to track its performance and health. The digital twin will monitor corrosion, load changes, environmental conditions and pedestrian use.

Source: https://www.dezeen.com/2021/07/19/mx3d-3d-printed-bridge-stainless-steel-amsterdam/

Strati: The World's First 3D Printed Car

At the 2015 North American Auto Show, Local Motors of the United States brought a 3D printed car called Strati, which is the world's first car made with 3D printing technology. The entire Strati car consists of about 40 parts. In addition to the powertrain, suspension, battery pack, tires, electrical system and windshield, the remaining parts including the chassis, dashboard, seats and body are printed by 3D printers using carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The powertrain powered by the battery pack can provide a range of about 100 kilometers.

Local Motors demonstrated the steps of making the car. The first stage is to use ABS plastic steel bars and carbon fiber materials to complete the foundation of the parts. This stage takes about 44 hours. The second stage is to complete the details of the parts after several hours of milling by Thermwood CNC machine tools. The final stage is to assemble these parts. Local Motors will strive to reduce the 44-hour work time of the first stage to within 24 hours in the future.

Source: https://fortune.com/2015/01/13/local-motors-shows-strati-the-worlds-first-3d-printed-car/

Relativity Space's Terran 1 Rocket Made Mostly from 3D Printing

Relativity Space is an American startup dedicated to manufacturing rockets through 3D printing. The Terran 1 rocket it developed was launched for the first time last year. The two-stage rocket is 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet in diameter. 85% of the rocket's weight (including its main structure) is 3D printed, and only readily available parts such as computing systems, electronic devices and fasteners are not 3D printed. Relativity Space uses its designed large-scale 3D printer Stargate to print rocket parts. This printer is capable of extruding aluminum alloys layer by layer. Compared with traditional manufacturing methods, 3D printing not only significantly reduces labor and supply chain costs, but also provides a more flexible and efficient manufacturing solution for future space missions. Relativity Space's ultimate goal is to use local resources to 3D print buildings and infrastructure on the moon and Mars.

Source: https://www.wired.com/story/the-worlds-first-3d-printed-rocket-is-about-to-launch-relativity-space/

In conclusion, large-scale 3D printing is transforming various industries by enabling innovative projects that were once thought impossible.  As advancements in 3D printing continue, we can expect even more groundbreaking applications.