Concrete-jet 'printers' to build houses, Moonbases in hour

[twistsol]

This is just too cool.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09...ding_printers/

[LinuxRandal]

Talk about EXPENSIVE cartridges!

[gsmittle]

This is just too cool.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/09...ding_printers/

Interesting... I read an article last night on theoretical applications of 3D Printing/Rapid Prototyping, including speculations on hobbyist/craftsman applications.

I'm beginning to think I need one... Just because...

g.

[Kristofor]

Oh, geez.... You think you have trouble with out-of-square construction now, just wait until the architects and designers start playing with this method of construction. "Of course it's a wavy curving wall, it symbolizes the important role of water in the environment, and the 'billowing' ceiling makes for a lovely cloud motif"

Some neat opportunities, but lots of DIY headaches too.

Kristofor.

[pelligrini]

Hehe, some architects already do that to a degree. Ever tried dimensioning an ellipse?

I haven't had time to really read the links that were in the news article. I wonder how that process will deal with reinforcement?

[jlm]

I was wondering the same thing, about reinforcement. I looked through the project's website, but couldn't find any mention whatsoever about it. Makes me think this is probably another neat idea that will be killed by that pesky "reality". I certainly wouldn't want to live in a concrete house with no rebar!

I can't imagine a way that you could incorporate reinforcement structures into this technique, either. If you build the steel structure before laying down the concrete, it'll get in the way of the concrete "nozzle". And obviously, adding them after the fact is a no-go...

Neat idea, and the application might work for adobe structures or large ceramic sculptures, but I don't think it's got any real-world potential with concrete.

[Wood_workur]

3d printers are fun. we have one at my school.

[pelligrini]

I was wondering the same thing, about reinforcement. I looked through the project's website, but couldn't find any mention whatsoever about it. Makes me think this is probably another neat idea that will be killed by that pesky "reality". I certainly wouldn't want to live in a concrete house with no rebar!

They might be counting on some sort of nanotube or fiber technology.