May 30, 2016 | By Benedict

According to a report published by MarketsandMarkets last week, the 3D concrete printing market could grow from $24.5m in 2015 to $56.4m by 2021, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.02%. The report suggests that concrete 3D printing can be cheaper and faster than other construction methods.

3D printed concrete from Bruil

"The 3D Concrete Printing Market is projected to witness significant growth in the next few years with the increasing demand for new constructions all over the world due to rapid urbanization and industrialization with increased investments in the infrastructural developments in emerging markets," says the report.

The foundations have already been laid for 3D concrete printing to make a significant impact on the construction sector. Speed, accuracy, and affordability are the main factors driving interest in the growing technology, which can be used to construct walls, floors & roofs, panels, and other structural elements. Walls made using 3D concrete printers are capable of creating concrete objects with great detail and precision, making it possible to conveniently construct advanced concrete walls with the push of a button. The report breaks down a number of key statistics concerning ready-mix concrete, precast concrete, shotcrete, high-density concrete, and others, all of which can be used for 3D concrete printing.

Although use of 3D concrete printing is not yet widespread, statistics provided show that the technology can benefit construction in a number of ways. The 3D concrete printing process can, for example, save between 30 and 60 percent of construction waste, reduce production time by 50 to 70 percent, and reduce labor costs by 50 to 80 percent. This triple advantage of material, time, and labor efficiency is drawing attention to the growing technology and fueling the demand for 3D concrete printers across several areas of construction.

3D Concrete Printing Market, by end-use sector, is classified into three segments, namely, domestic construction, industrial construction, and architectural construction. The domestic construction segment accounted for the largest market share in 2015 due to the rising demand in residential and commercial construction, increasing demand for eco-friendly and smart constructions, increased investment in commercial developments, and growing urbanization. 3D concrete printing is transforming the domestic construction segment, with a less expensive process and affordable housing solutions. Lower material usage and lower labour costs create a less expensive construction method, which in turn creates lower-cost buildings.

To arrive at their conclusions, including the impressive-sounding figure of $56.4m by 2021, researchers used a number of analytic techniques. Secondary research was used to compile data on the revenues of key vendors, while extensive interviews were carried out with CEOs, VPs, directors, and executives to gather further data. Data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were used to arrive at the final statistics.

DUS Architects' KamerMaker 3D printer

According to MarketsandMarkets, the 3D concrete printing ecosystem is made up of three main business types: 3D concrete printer manufacturers, architectural firms and contractors, and raw material suppliers.

Although additive manufacturing is becoming widespread all across the world, the 3D concrete printing report suggests that the Asia-Pacific region has a particularly important role to play in the growth of the market. Rising environmental concerns, a growing interest in sustainable construction, and increasing population in China and India are just some of the factors driving the growth of 3D concrete printing in the Asia-Pacific region.

At a global level, companies such as DUS Architects (the Netherlands), Fosters+Partners (U.K.), and WinSun Global (China) are providing 3D concrete printing services. Large construction players such as LafargeHolcim (France), Balfour Beatty PLC (U.K.), Kier Group PLC (U.K.), and Carillon PLC (U.K.) have scope to enter into 3D concrete printing services.

However, high capital investment and lack of awareness about automation technique in construction sector are the major restraints to the 3D concrete printing market, says the report.

Posted in 3D Printing Technology

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Khamir wrote at 5/31/2016 8:49:34 AM:3D Print Canal House / DUS Architects is using "the Kamermaker", which is a FDM printer, no concrete printer.



