At a glance - 3D printing
In August 2017, BSRIA launched an At a glance - 3D Printing Guide to highlight the accuracy and speed benefits, in addition to offering quick facts and answers to key issues on a myriad of 'need to know' issues.
These include:
- What is 3D printing?
- 3D design tools.
- 3D printing process.
- Methods of 3D printing.
- 3D printing applications – in construction.
- Advantages and disadvantages.
- How can 3D printing be used in the real world?
Chris Thompson, Research Engineer, Sustainable Construction Group, BSRIA, said:
“There’s a new kind of printer that prints three-dimensional objects. The technology has developed significantly in the past 20 years and 3D printing now has a whole host of uses. The aim of this topic guide is to give a background to 3D printing technology and show what 3D printing can offer the construction industry in general and building services in particular.
"In the future – the scope of 3D printing is only going to increase – including prosthetics, food, cars and even houses… !
"3D printing is mainly used in the manufacturing sector for prototyping, helping new products go to market faster. It is also increasingly being used for one-off bespoke components. These can range from the microscopic scale to large structures weighing tens of kilograms.”
What is 3D printing?
The 3D printer uses a model design created in CAD (computer aided design) as its template which is broken down into individual layers by the 3D printer’s software. Material is then deposited, usually via a nozzle device layer by layer until the 3D product is complete. There are other methods of 3D printing that vary the method from this example.
What has put 3D printing at the forefront of product development and opened up new markets are the increases in speed and accuracy and the increased range of materials that can be used. Improvements in technology, especially CAD have aided this – a manually controlled 3D printer would almost be impossible to use accurately.
3D printing also makes the manufacture of different shapes such as hollow structures possible which previously were not with traditional subtractive methods such as milling.
Who is the topic guide for?
- Architects.
- Building surveyors.
- Building designers.
- Manufacturers.
- System Integrators (SIs).
- HVAC engineers.
- Building Services engineers.
To find out more and access the document, see here.
This article was originally published here on 1 Aug 2017 by BSRIA.
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- 3D printing in construction.
- 3D concrete printer.
- 3D concrete printing market.
- 3D printed bridge.
- 3D printing Michelangelo's David in concrete.
- Advanced construction technology.
- At a glance - Indoor air quality.
- BSRIA launch smart technology topic guide.
- Printing 3D models of buildings.
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.