How Is Construction Sector Reducing Waste through 3D Printing Technology?

The construction sector generates a considerable amount of waste, owing to which they are using 3D printing for construction as the technology utilizes the exact volume of material required to print the structure, thereby mitigating the generation of large volumes of waste. For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the construction industry in the U.S. generated 600,330 tons of debris in 2018. Further, the Center for Science and Environment (CSE) states that India generates approximately 150 million construction and demolition debris waste every year. 

Thus, the increasing awareness among construction companies about the necessity of reducing construction waste, owing to the rising consciousness regarding environmental degradation, is expected to propel the 3D printing construction market growth during the forecast period (2021–2030). According to P&S Intelligence, the market generated ~$15 million revenue in 2020. In recent years, the advent of sand 3D printing and metal and robotic arm extruders technologies has led to the development of new construction methods, as such technologies that facilitate the creation of complex and unusual designs and shapes.

At present, construction companies are using metals, composites, and concrete to create 3D structures. Construction firms use these materials in extraction and powder bonding methods to develop complex and intricate designs. In the coming years, the extrusion method will be preferred over the power bonding method, due to the increasing construction of building and expanding infrastructure sectors. This method allows for the usage of conventional construction materials, such as cement, clay, concrete, and geopolymers, in on-site construction applications. 

The end use segment of the 3D printing construction market is bifurcated into infrastructure and building. Under this segment, the building category is expected to display the faster growth during the forecast period, due to the expanding construction industry in developing nations and the increasing need for affordable housing. Moreover, the burgeoning demand for high-performance and complex designs that can be conveniently transformed to life will also contribute to the growth of this category worldwide.

In recent years, companies, such as Xtreee, Mx3D, Contour Crafting, Yingchuang Building Technique (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cybe construction, and Beijing Huashang Luhai Technology, have increased their presence in developing countries to reach out to a greater number of customers. For instance, Yingchuang Building Technique (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. printed the office of the Dubai Municipality in February 2021. This office is the first 32-printed commercial building and it is mentioned in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Globally, the Asia-Pacific 3D printing construction market generated the highest revenue in 2020, and it is expected to demonstrate the fastest growth in the forecast years. This can be credited to the soaring number of buildings being constructed through sustainable methods, increasing number of manufacturing units, and rising research and development (R&D) activities. Additionally, the strong presence of numerous construction companies also contributes to the market growth in the region. Among APAC countries, Japan and China hold immense growth potential for emerging technologies such as 3D printing for construction.

Thus, the surging focus of construction companies on reducing waste and increasing availability of technologically advanced construction methods will accelerate the adoption of 3D printing technology in the construction sector.