Build houses with ... printers

British researchers are building a room-sized machine that uses modern stereotyping techniques to print complete walls including bricks, plasterboard, windows, insulation and cables. electricity.

This method will make the walls become stronger and more functional. It also helps to reduce construction waste, save manpower and create creative form of buildings.

"Sometimes verticality is not the best form. You can build flat or curved shapes without being more expensive," said Dr. Richard Buswell, construction engineering lecturer at Loughborough University, Australia. .

(Photo: ABC Online, iStockphoto) Buswell and the team began a four-year project to build a 4x5m printer. They borrowed technology from speedy stereotyping processes to produce ceramic, polymer and metal products. In this method, products are drawn and developed using 3D computer software. A machine will create layers with materials such as paper, liquid, powder or plaster. These layers will be bonded together, sometimes by laser, to create a complete shape.

As for wall construction, the materials used include cement, clay, plaster or lime. The device will spew liquid material like a toothpaste tube or act as a large printer that attaches drops of material to the correct location.

The material will be constructed to harden in the air without the need for a laser to bind the blocks together. Thus, the designer can attach elements to the wall without having to build it separately.

For example, the wall will have gaps to attach doors and windows. The wall can also be built in a honeycomb style for insulation. Or it contains compartments to thread the pipe or wire. The system will help save time and considerable labor. But it does not seem convincing enough for the construction industry.

"The construction industry has a long history. New technology must be truly revolutionary, otherwise companies will not take risks. They will still do the way they have been doing. " American consultant Terry Wohlers said.

In the next 4 years, Buswell and his team will produce printers and a wall to demonstrate their ideas.

MT .