Apr. 1, 2016 | By Kira
Through its Green Conversion Fund, Denmark’s Business Authority has invested 2,647,200 kr (US$400,000) to increase awareness and competency levels in the country’s 3D printing construction industry. The project, known as the 3D Printed Construction Partnership, will bring together five businesses from various sectors to develop Denmark’s first construction 3D printer prototype and to explore how 3D printing buildings could reduce CO2 emissions and material waste while improving overall productivity and recycling initiatives.
image via Johan Straarup for 3D Printhuset
The one-year 3D Printed Construction Partnership includes project leader and 3D printing company 3D Printhuset; NCC Construction Danmark and NCC Recycling (NCC Roads); Force Technology, a technological consultancy company in the energy, oil & gas, and maritime sectors; and Gips Recycling Danmark, a leading specialist in gypsum recycling.
Together, these five companies will “promote understanding and the development of opportunities in 3D printed construction in Denmark,” with the aim of boosting the country’s construction industry by as much as 1 billion kr (US$153 million).
Beyond the economical incentive, however, is a larger and far more important motivation: to discover and apply ecologically friendly and sustainable solutions for the construction industry at large.
According to the project description, 3D printing construction can reduce material waste by only using the exact amount of materials needed. The technology also has the potential to implement recycled building materials that are not currently used in traditional construction techniques, creating a circular economy. Finally, automated machines can increase productivity and resource efficiency across the board.
The 3D Printed Construction Partnership will run from February 2016 until December 31st, 2017, and has been divided into four specific activities:
- International mapping and documentation of current uses of 3D printing in the construction industry, through studies and visits to foreign projects and research institutes
- The development of the first Danish construction 3D printer prototype, to be used for preliminary material and structural tests
- Testing and developing new, recycled 3D printing materials for use in construction, including crushed concrete, bricks, gypsum and other construction waste
- Disseminating knowledge acquired on 3D printing technology and its possibilities in the construction industry via a dedicated website. The project will also hold two conferences in cooperation with the Danish construction industry
“Through the partnership and knowledge sharing efforts, there will be a skills development throughout the construction industry, including Danish 3D printing suppliers as well as material and system suppliers, all for the benefit of developing a circular business model in construction,” said Danish Business Authority.
"With this partnership, we will pave the way for the use of 3D printing in Danish construction. The technology looks promising for the construction industry, including automation, better security, less material consumption and waste - and the use of more recyclable materials. It can mean a significant economic and environmental benefits for the industry,” added Jim Larsen, general manager of 3D Printhuset.
The Danish Business Authority endeavours to create the best conditions for growth within the country. In particular, its Green Business Development Fund focuses on promoting resource efficiency in Danish businesses and giving grants to selected businesses that exploit the potential for circular, resource-friendly, and sustainable economies. From 2013 to 2015, the Fund invested in 33 projects, totalling approximately €7.3 million, or US$ 8.2 million.
Denmark isn't the first country to realize the potential of 3D printing buildings to revolutionize the construction industry, making it more cost-efficient, productive, and sustainable. In Brazil, 3D printing could be a solution to slums, Singapore is developing 3D printed public housing, and recently UCLA has discovered a way to potentially transform CO2 emissions into 3D printed concrete.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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Perfect start....We are also looking to explore and use this technology in India
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