3D printing has had to overcome plenty of obstacles, including materials, mobility, weather, and height. Slowly, but surely, technology companies are beginning to overcome these challenges. A 400 square foot house was recently printed in concrete on-site, in less than 24 hours and in freezing temperatures. Other companies are working on perfecting 3D printed steel for pedestrian bridges. Height limitations seem to be the hardest problem to solve, however.
Read more[VIDEO] Watch a Concrete House be Printed on Site in Less Than 24 Hours
3D printing technology faces major issues when it is required to leave the shelter of a warehouse and step foot on a construction job site. 3D printers are extremely large, heavy, and rely on precise calibration for accuracy. Even the first 3D printed office building in Dubai, which was completed last year, had to actually have its components printed off site and assembled on site. But, Apis Cor, a 3D printing company, believes it has created the technology to print a full structure completely on site.
Read moreBoeing Develops Lightest Metallic Structure Ever
Boeing.com
The metallic structure is called microlattice and it is 99.99% air. In fact, it's so light that it can balance on top of a dandelion. The microlattice takes a queue from nature and mirrors bone structure to gain its strength, rigidity, and lightness.
Read moreThese 3D Printed Power Tools are the Size of a Fingertip and Actually Work!
Sure, 3D printers can print houses, office building and all the furniture inside, and bridges, but that’s all nonsense compared to the fact that you can actually print a working circular saw or power drill that’s as small as your fingertip. In fact, they’re both the World’s smallest.
Read moreThis Robot Wants to Build Your Block Walls for You
Photo courtesy of Construction Robotics
As 3D printed buildings and structures continue to rise in popularity, other on-site robots are hoping to make a name for themselves as well. Long held to being indoors and in controlled environments, robots are now being designed by engineers to endure dynamic situations in the field, to deal with wind movement, bouncing, and other situations.
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