I often get asked, “How do you 3D print concrete on a job site?”
We don’t! We print offsite, in factories, with our proprietary material, and send panels to site. But because we also use 3D printing in construction, we frequently get confused with this category of 𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 3D printing. In some respects, the two approaches are like comparing apples to oranges. We have a very different theory of change in construction, and fundamentally distinct ways to address it.
So it’s worth spelling out some key differences and dispelling some misconceptions.
What Material is Being Printed
Most 3D printing companies use concrete or concrete with additives to speed up drying. At Mighty Buildings, we’re all about material innovation, and so instead of concrete, we use a lower-carbon material largely made from recycled glass. This isn’t just about being green—it’s about creating a product that’s more sustainable and durable to extreme weather events. Our technology also allows for more expressive aesthetics and greater variability in design, catering to a wider range of construction needs.
Where and How Printing Happens
Onsite 3D printing companies haul massive 3D printers to construction sites, and work with their engineering teams to commission them before every print. On the other hand, we print replicable SKUs in highly controlled factories. This offsite approach allows us to reduce skilled labor onsite while maintaining higher levels of quality and consistency. Plus, it eliminates the unpredictability of onsite conditions—like weather—that can affect the quality and timing of the build. Also, by printing multiple panels simultaneously with several printers, we can significantly cut down on construction time, while onsite printers are stuck doing one linear foot at a time.
What Parts are Being Printed
Most onsite printers create continuous walls layer by layer directly at the build site. We do things a bit differently by printing a variety of panelized components in our factories. These panels are then flat-packed, shipped, and assembled on-site like a giant Lego set. This method not only provides more design flexibility but also speeds up the construction process.
Are both approaches fascinating? For sure! And each holds potential for solving different problems. So we’re happy to be grouped in with others as a “3D Printed Construction Company”, but we’re very bullish about our very different offsite, modular approach.
What other questions or feedback do you have about our approach? Would love to hear them!
#3DPrinting #Construction #MaterialScience #3DDevelopment
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1yGreat perspective and great to see.