Here at 3D Rapid Print, we like to keep abreast of the latest innovations in 3D printing.
On September 11th 2019 at its PEAK Forum, Singapore’s Housing And Development Board (HDB) unveiled Southeast Asia’s largest 3D printer for construction. This had been specially built for them by engineering and consultancy firm Witteveen+Bos of Deventer, The Netherlands, who boast 1,100 employees across 21 offices and 11 countries worldwide. (PEAK is short for Professional Engagement And Knowledge-sharing, and is described by the HDB as “an annual gathering of industry professionals for the exchange of industry best practices, and innovative ideas to drive greater excellence in design, construction, and engineering.” The HDB are Singapore’s public housing authority and were established in 1960; today they claim that 80% of Singapore’s population is housed by accommodation they built.) Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and self-appointed “one of Singapore’s leading precast and prefabrication manufacturer” Robin Village Development also collaborated with Witteveen+Bos on the project.
The new 3D printer can theoretically print a concrete block that measures 9m long, 3.5m wide and 3.8m high. The printer and the first object it printed were shown to Singapore’s Minister for National Development and the HDB’s CEO circa a week before the printer was unveiled. There, were shown a room-sized 3D-printed object that measured 3.6m long, 3m wide and 2.75m high and took 13 hours to make.
Witteveen+Bos have been experimenting with concrete printing since 2015 and claim to be one of its pioneers. In 2017, they collaborated with North Brabant’s Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and construction-services company Royal BAM Group of Bunnik, Uthrecht to 3D print a concrete bridge built especially for cyclists. It was installed in Gemert, North Brabant in October of the same year. Circa May 2018, Witteveen+Bos collaborated with TU/e on plans to 3D print 5 concrete houses in Meerhoven, Eindhoven. At the time, both Witteveen+Bos and TU/e claimed this was a world first.
3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.
Disclaimer: Featured image of “Shasta dam under construction” is a work of an employee of the United States Farm Security Administration or Office of War Information domestic photographic units, taken as part of that person’s official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain in the United States.
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