This company can build move-in ready houses using a 3D printer | Your Morning
3D printer builds.
We speak to Jason Ballad, co-founder of ICON, a company that that is building non-profit houses with a 3D printer for just $4,000.
In recent years, 3D printing has become a buzzword in the manufacturing industry, with its potential to revolutionize the way products are made. While many of us associate 3D printing with small, intricate objects, the technology is now being used to build larger structures, such as houses.
One company leading the way in this new frontier is the Austin-based construction firm, ICON. Using its proprietary 3D printing technology, the company is able to build move-in ready houses in a matter of days.
ICON’s technology works by using a giant 3D printer, which essentially uses concrete as ink. The printer is programmed to print layers of concrete in a pre-designed pattern until the structure is complete. The resulting product is a sturdy, fully functional house, complete with walls, roof, and even intricate design elements.
The benefits of using 3D printing for construction are numerous. Firstly, it dramatically reduces the time it takes to build a house. Traditionally, constructing a house can take months or even years, but using 3D printing, ICON is able to build a house in just 48 hours. This is a game-changer for the housing industry, as it means that affordable housing can be provided quickly and efficiently.
Another major advantage of 3D printing is that it makes construction less wasteful. Traditional construction methods rely on cutting and molding materials to fit a pre-set design, resulting in a lot of waste. With 3D printing, there is minimal waste, as the printer only uses the exact amount of concrete needed for the design.
The company believes that its technology has the potential to revolutionize the housing industry, particularly in areas where affordable housing is desperately needed. By building houses quickly and efficiently, ICON is helping to tackle the housing crisis head-on.
While 3D printing is still a relatively new technology in the construction industry, it is clear that its potential is huge. As more companies like ICON invest in the technology, we can expect to see more innovative solutions to the world’s housing problems.