Swedish scientists are starting a project that they believe will create a method for 3-D printing full-sized houses.
The large-scale collaborative project aims to develop technology that will make 3-D prints of structures using cellulose based material, Umeå University reported.
"The idea of the project is to develop a technology that can be used in reinforcing the manufacturing industry in the region. For Sliperiet the project, entitled the +Project, is a part in the strategy of forming collaboration in an open and interdisciplinary innovative environment. Here, meetings and collaborations are created between various scientific areas and together with companies in the region," said Marlene Johansson, director of Sliperiet.
One of the sub-goals of the project is to produce a cellulose based materials for full-scale 3D printing, The target audiences for the +Project are small and medium-sized industries in the construction and wood markets. The architecture, design and IT industries could also benefit from the project's innovations.
The team hopes to create circular models for business and production as well as a competence center for sustainable building. The project is expected to conclude in 2018, and a World Expo will be created in order to demonstrate its digital manufacturing and sustainable building potential.
There are rapid developments within the area of digital manufacturing in construction, and within technology large scale cement 3D printers are being developed. With our project, we hope to help put the region at the forefront of this innovation area. [Digitalization], and through it mass-customization, can provide incredibly exciting opportunities for the regional forest and construction industry, and create sustainable business opportunities based on our natural resources," said Linnéa Therese Dimitriou, Creative Director at Sliperiet.
