Aug 11, 2015 | By Simon
Since it was founded by Massimo Moretti in 2012, WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project) has been actively focusing on developing a number of open source additive manufacturing-based solutions for a variety of applications including a 3D printer solution for creating clay houses.
Inspired by the construction techniques of mason wasps (hence the name of the company), Moretti and his team of skilled experts have been finding success in small steps towards developing a 3D printer that can create a house anywhere in the world using local materials.
For their latest development towards changing the future of home manufacturing, the WASP team has developed a system to produce concrete elements that can be assembled with steel bars and beams or can compose pillars in reinforced concrete - all in an effort to help minimize the amount of CO2 generated by traditional construction processes.
“WASP was born with the dream of printing houses with 100% natural materials, but wisdom teaches that extremism is never a good thing,” explains the company.
‘“While trying to find a way to print houses with natural materials and at zero km, there is an urge to plunge into the routine and make a contribution now. And this is when WASP project begins its challenge with materials taboos, such as CO2 generators.”
According to the company, a ton of cement generates a ton of CO2, but 3D printing can cut the amount of CO2 down by more than 50% thanks to the ability to create programmed infills.
To further test their theory, the company sent their BIGDELTA WASP printer to the CeSMA service centre (Advanced methodological Services Centre) at the University Federico II of Naples in Italy, where researcher Domenico Asprone and his colleagues further studied the effects on concrete mortar manufacturing.
The result of their research is a system to produce the necessary concrete elements that can be assembled with steel bars and beams or can compose pillars in reinforced concrete.
The new manufacturing method using the WASP printer allows designers and builders to create curved, hollow elements with special features that would normally require complicated wooden shapes (molds) for fresh concrete, with a considerable cost increase.
''This new technology promises to streamline the forms and save material, thus lightening the reinforced concrete elements and reducing costs and environmental impacts,” said Asprone.
“The possibility to obtain complex shapes then, paves the way to new uses of reinforced concrete beyond the conventional ones, with aesthetic properties and design. ''
In addition to the CeSMA service centre at the University of Naples, the research was also involved the Stress Consortium (the high-tech district of the Campania region on sustainable buildings) and the University of Pavia.
“Thanks to these new technologies we could say we are moving towards the House of the future … but why should we set some limits?” says the company.
“One day we will also be able to print more complex structures, such as bridges. And there will be broader space for creativity.”
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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