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ICON uses a proprietary “ cementitious material called Lavacrete that can be printed at high speeds while retaining form ,” says Gauthier . Meanwhile , SQ4D uses concrete and requires frequent checking for consistency . Though SQ4D ’ s printer can manufacture single-story homes only , plans are underway to develop printers that can produce even larger structures and possibly multistory units . The largest structure that SQ4D has 3D printed is 1,900 square feet .
“ Public perception is always a hurdle with new technologies ,” adds Krohn . “ Will the public have the trust in a 3D-printed structure ? How will it last over time ? There is a lot of historical evidence to show the longevity of structures using traditional construction methods . 3D-printed structures will be tested over time .”
SLOWLY 3D PRINTING A BRIGHTER FUTURE “[ The growth of 3D printing in construction ] requires early adopters to deploy these techniques and early adopters to purchase the homes ,” Krohn says . “ It really takes the mindset of explorers to go where no one has gone before . To be the first , to try new things . That is how advancements are made in an industry .”
But , in reality , there will be a time lag in incorporating 3D printing and sustainability concepts into the production of actual homes , Zelinski predicts . “ We have the technology now ,” he says , “ but we don ’ t yet have the mindset and the organization of how construction works to allow us to apply those kinds of ideas in the field .” ■
“ Public perception is always a hurdle with new technologies . Will the public have the trust in a 3D-printed structure ? How will it last over time ?”
— Rob Krohn , vice president of marketing , Epcon Communities