The Architecture and Civil Engineering Department director at the School of Architecture, Engineering and Design, Oscar Liébana, has published an article on implementing new digital technologies such as 3D printing in construction phases. The author details the main factors to consider when using 3D printing in the project conception and creation process.
The article, which addresses the present and future possibilities of 3D printing in different fields, mentions the projection and large-scale limitations of the techniques applied in 3D printing today. Óscar Liébana also highlights metal printing as a new alternative to consider for creating large-scale pieces. Another section details the industry’s ability to produce construction elements and the limitations in the building sector on prefabrication, materials and end products.
A prefabrication scenario that could move towards custom fabrication in construction. Furthermore, the author stresses the importance of considering robotics as the platform with the greatest versatility and scale capacity of all the different options available on the market. The Universidad Europea professor mentions many factors, including the advantages and possibilities that are still to come with digital design methods for contemporary buildings and subsequent property management using a virtual model. A method that is acquiring global significance in architecture.
Finally, the article also stresses the importance of the environmental impact of saving materials in total construction costs using 3D printing, and the opportunity to include new organic and recycled materials. Óscar Liébana concludes that digitalizing the design process and developing new software will trigger a revolution in architecture.