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“ I think 3D printing signals the start of a bigger trend , one of construction automation , and with that comes certain additional benefits . For example , construction is still one of the most dangerous sectors to work in . There is all manner of dangerous equipment and machinery , with hazards all over the place , which can and do cause injury or death . Some of these can only be mitigated and not removed entirely , therefore , introducing more automation takes people out of harm ’ s way . Other potential benefits of autonomous construction are precision and repeatability , increased speed and reduced waste , and of course the reduced cost and carbon which can come with these things . Whilst it would be wrong to say that 3DCP inherently offers all these benefits , if you have a suitable use case and a thoughtful strategy for implementation , you are well on your way . The benefits will increase as the technology and materials evolve and the regulatory frameworks catch up to be able to support this way of working .
“ One of our biggest efforts is in trying to produce printable mixes here in the UK that are lower in carbon , working alongside Balfour Beatty ’ s Highways division . Combining 3DCP with materials such as graphene could ultimately produce stronger , slimmer structures with lower carbon footprints , so we are in a good position to be thinking about how alternative materials and technologies can help to reduce our impact on the planet .
“ Also ,” adds Steve , “ there is a significant skills shortage in the sector , we ’ ve got an ageing workforce and we ’ re losing skills at
Steve Hodge ( CEO ) with staff from licensing partner Montana Química at their HQ in São Paulo , Brazil manufacturing-today . com 43