3D Printer Can Print Entire Buildings
It’s like something out of a strategy video game, pumping in resources and waiting for a huge machine to create a building from the ground up.
This isn’t your neighbors 3D Printer.
Enrico Dini, the designer, has big dreams for his printer.
Dini’s machine marks a vital step change from the shoebox-size 3D printing of today, to tomorrow’s ability to print complete structures on site. Although others have been working hard on the prototype, Dini’s machine is ahead of the pack, with the Architectural Association beating several others to get to the first marketable version.
The conceptual leap from modelling to manufacture may seem small, but making it has taken seven years of Dini’s personal endeavour in the face of bankruptcy and, when his ex-wife said she doubted his ability to complete the project, it cost him his marriage.
The brilliant idea creates rock solid material from sand and ink. It first lays down a layer of sand then a layer of ink.
Dini said he wants to use the printer to build houses on the moon or a cathedral. Below is his first printed building — a very small building.
[Via Blueprint Magazine]
