The application of additive manufacturing technologies in the construction industry by the example of 3D-model design and printing

Abstract

This paper calls into the question of the AM technology application in the construction industry. The conducted research demonstrates and examines the main steps of the real project preparation using BIM and AM technologies. The importance of these technologies application lies in the possible advantages and generally automation necessity in industry. The undertaken research was aimed to design and manufacture the undersized sample of the building model. The main limitations of this experiment are highlighted below in order to report the obtained results properly. The 3D-model design, preparation and printing showed the manufacturing process subsequently step by step. The accepted methodology is based on the model research. The reduction in the main dimensions of the building was carried out in order to consistently study and reproduce the main stages of the creation, preparation and implementation of the project using 3D-printing. The experience obtained during this experiment can be compared and used to the real 3D-model preparing for 3D-printing. The undertaken research differs from the realistic manufacturing process in scaled-down dimensions and utilized material. The utilized methodology has proved the combined implementation of BIM and AM technologies. This paper also describes the possible future work to be done in order to access the full potential of the 3D-printing technology in construction.