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
Sponsored | | Aug 8, 2014
Setting guidelines for construction PDF documents across the AEC industry
Sasha Reed interviews two members of the coalition responsible for creating new Guidelines for Construction PDF Documents. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Aug 4, 2014
BIM Giants: Firms enhance BIM/VDC with advanced collaboration tools [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Cloud-based data sharing, rapid iterative design, and cross-discipline collaboration are among the emerging trends in the BIM/VDC field, according to BD+C's 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 4, 2014
7 habits of highly effective digital enterprises
Transforming your firm into a “digital business” is particularly challenging because digital touches every function while also demanding the rapid development of new skills and investments. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Aug 4, 2014
What AEC executives can do to position their firms for success
Most AEC leadership teams are fastidious about tracking their hit rate–the number of proposals submitted minus the number of proposals won. Here are three alternatives for increasing that percentage. SPONSORED CONTENT
Sponsored | | Jul 30, 2014
How one small architecture firm improved cash flow using ArchiOffice
Foreman Seeley Fountain Architecture not only managed to survive the Great Recession, it has positioned itself to thrive in the economy’s recovery.
| Jul 16, 2014
Learning design fundamentals in the digital age – How to balance learning and technology
My colleague and I were once asked an insightful question by a Civil Engineering Professor that sparked an interesting conversation. He’d been told about our software by some of his students who had used it during their summer internship. SPONSORED CONTENT
| Jul 11, 2014
Are these LEGO-like blocks the future of construction?
Kite Bricks proposes a more efficient way of building with its newly developed Smart Bricks system.
| Jul 1, 2014
Hyper-speed rendering: How Gensler turns BIM models into beauty shots in seconds
In search of a fast rendering solution, Gensler looked to the gaming and moviemaking industries for the next breakthrough tool: Octane Render.
| Jul 1, 2014
Sochi's 'kinetic façade' may steal the show at the Winter Olympics
The temporary pavilion for Russian telecom operator MegaFon will be wrapped with a massive digital "pin screen" that will morph into the shape of any face.
| Jul 1, 2014
7 ways to cut waste in BIM implementation
Process mapping, split models, and streamlined coordination meetings are among the timesaving techniques AEC firms are employing to improve BIM/VDC workflows.
