Mar 12, 2018 | By Benedict
New Story, a Silicon Valley-based nonprofit, says it has developed the “Vulcan,” a construction 3D printer that can fabricate a four-room house in less than a day for just $4,000. The massive 3D printer is being demonstrated at SXSW.
We write about 3D printed houses and construction projects all the time, but of the companies developing house-building 3D printers, most have one thing in common: profit. 3D printing is a profitable business, and any company that claims to be able to 3D print a skyscraper or such like is sure to attract both interest and investment.
Based in Silicon Valley, New Story would appear to be one of those companies—this area of California is, after all, somewhat flush with capital. But 3D printing specialist New Story is actually a nonprofit, and is attempting to use its new Vulcan 3D printer to print houses in areas affected by natural disasters.
The nonprofit has spent the last few years developing 3D printing technology fit for developing safe houses for those in poverty. To do this, it worked with construction tech company Icon, together honing the Vulcan 3D printer into a machine that can fabricate a four-room house in less than a day.
Sounds impressive, but does it work? You’ll have to ask attendees of SXSW for the final verdict, but New Story says it has already completed a 3D printed structure at the Icon premises, and will print test homes in El Salvador later this year.
New Story says its Vulcan 3D printer, which will probably cost less than $100,000, is set on tracks and can be packed up into a truck, making it fully transportable. Its large nozzle deposits mortar in layers.
The huge 3D printer is purportedly capable of 3D printing houses between 600 and 800 square feet with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. The roof of these buildings, however, cannot be 3D printed.
Between two and four workers are required to operate the 3D printer and put these super-cheap houses (they cost just $4,000 each) together. The organization relies on donations for its R&D and operations, and sees itself as the future R&D arm of the global social housing sector.
From what we can see, the example 3D printed home looks pretty cool, but the absence of detailed photos and info about the 3D printer has us remaining calm for the moment.
Posted in 3D Printing Technology
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So exciting
Thanos Sefertzis wrote at 10/8/2018 6:42:23 AM:
Very interesting ,for application in suitable , cost effective areas ! you do not have to buy the land ! It could be leased long term !
Nomad wrote at 4/29/2018 2:00:02 AM:
The us gov would not allow for anyone to own one here. It would affect the real estate market for the banks and lobbyists would kill it.
Gabriel wrote at 4/21/2018 6:42:49 AM:
other reports say the total cost is 10k. Which is still amazing. Look forward to the real sauce. Great publicity and even funding targets.
gabriel wrote at 4/21/2018 6:40:43 AM:
other reports say total cost is around 10k which is still absolutely amazing.
Dave Hansen--Helpiing Hands for Haiti wrote at 4/20/2018 3:28:39 AM:
The terrain might be a challenge, but the concept of this house would be great in Haiti. we plan on building 100 homes in the next two years. Let's partner!
Fudfighter wrote at 3/23/2018 6:22:20 PM:
Cost of house: $4000. Cost of site for house in Silicon Valley: $400,000. Outcome = $still unaffordable.
Scott wrote at 3/13/2018 9:36:37 AM:
No video?
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