Barron’s recently predicted that 3D printing would be a $13 billion industry by 2018, up from $600 million two years ago. AEC industry use might represent only a fraction of the total, but the trend is definitely ascending.
There’s no doubt the technology can do some fascinating things. Machines can now print with all sorts of powderized materials, from concrete to chocolate. ZGF Architects’ Robert Petty printed his wedding ring using powderized silver, and “it’s held up fine,” he says. At the recent 3D Print Design show in New York, Perkins+Will displayed a six-foot-tall model of a skyscraper that it had printed on a MakerBot machine.
The 3D printer industry keeps making strides in technology and affordability. WobbleWorks recently released an upgrade of its 3D printing pen—yes, it’s a pen, the 3Doodle—that it’s selling for $100 a pop.
After two years of secretive development, Redwood, Calif., startup Carbon3D unveiled a 3D printing process called CLIP (for “continuous liquid interface production”) that uses light to cure the extruded resin that forms the physical objects and models. The company claims this process is 25–100 times faster than anything that’s currently available. Autodesk recently invested $10 million in Carbon3D.
Carbon 3D's continuous liquid interface production process
In March, Trimble released an update of 3D Warehouse, its online platform for sharing and downloading free 3D models and materials, which is a key component of the SketchUp 3D modeling software. Autodesk recently introduced Spark, an open-source platform that enables 3D applications and services to deliver 3D models for any printer or service bureau.
Higher quality printers, greater affordability, new technical processes—all represent promising solutions that AEC firms are looking for as they try to figure out where 3D printing fits into their larger technology picture.
Amid all the ballyhoo, there’s still the question of how embedded 3D printers will become in AEC firms’ workflow. Jorge Barrero, a Senior Associate at Gensler, compares 3D printing to a familiar domestic technology: “It’s like the microwave,” he says. “It never replaced the oven, but it made it into everyone’s kitchen.”
Related Stories
AEC Tech | Mar 31, 2016
Deep Learning + AI: How machines are becoming master problem solvers
Besides revolutionary changes to the world’s workforce, artificial intelligence could have a profound impact on the built environment and the AEC industry.
Big Data | Mar 28, 2016
Predictive analytics: How design firms can benefit from using data to find patterns, trends, and relationships
Branden Collingsworth, HDR’s new Director of Predictive Analytics, clarifies what his team does and how architecture projects can benefit from predictive analytics.
BIM and Information Technology | Mar 21, 2016
Latest tech devices simplify the leap from BIM to virtual reality
Faster conversion times and higher-quality graphics are enabling VR to make the jump from novelty to necessity in the AEC world.
AEC Tech | Mar 15, 2016
Two to tango: Project Tango isn’t just for entertainment, it also has a wide range of possibilities relating to the professional world
Making things like augmented reality, precise measurements of indoor spaces, and indoor wayfinding possible, Google’s Project Tango has all the makings to become a useful and ubiquitous tool in the AEC market.
BIM and Information Technology | Mar 14, 2016
Visual estimating, generative design, and component construction push the limits of BIM/VDC
DPR Construction, JE Dunn, and The Living advance the AEC industry with three clever tech solutions.
Drones | Mar 9, 2016
A new image-capturing platform mediates drone and cloud technologies
3DRobotics, Autodesk, and Sony launch Site Scan to speed the process of making models from field data.
BIM and Information Technology | Mar 2, 2016
Thanks to MIT researchers, Boston now has its very own citywide building energy model
The most detailed model ever for a city this size will help Boston meet its long-term energy use goals.
BIM and Information Technology | Feb 24, 2016
5 tips for creating photorealistic architectural renderings
Storytelling, authenticity, and detail are vital to producing lifelike project artwork, according to a digital art specialist.
Augmented Reality | Feb 17, 2016
Startup Meta unveils holographic augmented reality prototype
The startup is an underdog in the AR battle but has a range of investors and fans.
Game Changers | Feb 5, 2016
London’s ’shadowless’ towers
Using advanced design computation, a design team demonstrates how to ‘erase’ a building’s shadows.