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3D Printing
TOOLS & TECHNOLOGYbeginner
Definition
An additive manufacturing process that builds three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital file. In architecture, 3D printing is used for detailed models, bespoke components, and increasingly for experimental full-scale construction. Concrete 3D printing is an emerging building technology.
Example
The ICON 3D-printed houses in Austin, Texas (2018 onwards) were produced layer by layer using a proprietary concrete mix and robotic gantry — each printed in under 24 hours.