The Use of 3D Printing - Essay Example

3D Printing Name Tutor Institution Course Date Introduction 3D printing involves the process of synthesizing the three dimensional object whereby successive layers of materials are formed under the control of a computer to create the object (Ebert, 2011). The use of this model ensures that objects of any shape are produced. The technology is considered an aspect triggering third industrial revolution. The 3D printable models have the ability to create a computer aided design package through the use of a scanner. The chances of errors are low when using the technology and hence its wide scale application in different industry. In the construction industry, 3D printing is increasingly becoming useful. This is achieved through the uses of concrete to develop structures. Structural strength of the material is an important aspect that is associated with 3D printing. Single houses as well as apartments are currently being built through the use of 3D printing (Litaker, et al, 2013). The use of 3D printing is increasingly becoming a reality in most of the countries. Due to the sensitive nature of the industry, legal aspects have to be considered. The operational cost as well as the other construction related issues has to be considered when using 3D printing. The paper discusses the aspects of 3D printing in relation to the construction industry. Discussion Legal perspectives The use of 3D printing is revolutionalizing the construction industry. However, various legal aspects have to be considered. The issues of intellectual property is an important legal aspect that has to be considered when using 3D printing (Pham, et al, 2011). Original designs need to be protected in the construction industry. This includes the materials that need to undergo the 3D printing process. It is thus important to ensure that all the legal aspects regarding the patent as well as other issues of intellectual property is considered. The long term durability issues are a problem associated with 3D printing in the construction industry. This mainly revolves around the issues of building code. The building codes are legal requirements that have to be met during the construction process. It is important to note that the construction process must satisfy the codes as well as the building regulation that are in place. This includes the aspects of the strength of the materials as well as the environmental issues. The use of 3D printing does not have negative environmental effects and this has played an important role in promoting its use (Hopkins & Dickens, 2009). Testing has to be undertaken to ensure that the required specification are met. Performance, acoustical characteristics and sustainability aspects have to be considered during the construction process when 3D is used. This is for the purposes of ensuring that safety is maintained. All the legal requirements have to be considered in order for the construction process using 3D to be approved. The use of 3D printing has been hailed for its ability to reduce the construction cost (Khoshnevis & Hwang, 2009). However, it has the ability of decreasing the traditional construction roles. This means that a high number of people will not be employed during the construction process. This is likely to result to legal challenges by those who will be affected. It is therefore important to ensure that all the legal aspects associated with labour are sorted out before the construction process commences. The use of 3D printing may constitute to a material change and hence creating legal challenges with the insurers. The insurance company may be reluctant to offer their service since the technology in the industry is still new. This could be wrongly interpreted as increased risks. The insurance costs may also go up when the technology is used. This means that all the legal aspects in relation to the insurance have to be addressed before the implementation of the construction process. Currently, 3D printing is still considered as a service and this may contribute to legal challenges. The longstanding construction laws do not adequately address the issues related to the use of 3D printing (Blake, 2013). This therefore requires clarification in order to ensure that the activities are within the existing laws and regulations. All the disputes related to the formation of a contract must also be addressed. The disputes must easily arise due to the lack of clarity regarding some of the 3D issues. Financial perspectives The use of 3D printing in the construction process is associated with reduced costs. This is due to its ability to reduce the construction costs by up to 50% (Blake, 2013). The use of 3D printing reduces the need of the some professionals who are involved in the construction process under the traditional process. The use of 3D printing during the construction process is effective in ensuring that a high number of roles are reduced. Reducing the number of employees means that the labour costs is drastically reduced. This is considering that the labour cost accounts for about 20% of the total construction costs. This means that the labour costs can be reduced up to 10%. The time required to carry out the construction process is an important aspect that influences the costs. However, with the use of the 3D printing, it is possible to complete the construction process within 24 hours. A single house measuring 33 x 132 x 20 feet can be completed within less than 24 hours (Dėjus & Antuchevičienė, 2013). Using the traditional construction technique, such a building is usually constructed for more than 2 weeks. This is therefore an indication that the technology greatly reduces the construction time. A reduction in the construction time greatly reduces the overall construction costs. This is because the delays means that more amount will be spent on labour as well as other activities. The materials used in the construction process greatly contribute to the costs involved. The 3D technology plays an important role in ensuring that the building materials are developed at the site and within a short period of time. Wastage during the construction process greatly contributes to increased costs. The wastage is mainly in terms of the materials used during the construction process. The use of 3D printing has the ability of reducing the wastages by up to 70% (Dėjus & Antuchevičienė, 2013). Reducing wastage results to reducing the construction cost. The construction process that would otherwise cost $ 10,000 is usually reduced to $ 5,000. However, it is also important to note that the transportation of the 3D printing machine may be costly due to its size. In the construction process, large 3D machines are usually utilized due to the size of the building. A lot of expertise is also required during the operation of the 3D printing machine. This may therefore require training of the personnel to handle the machine. Training of the personnel may result to increased costs. The process of fixing as well as dismantling the equipment may also attract extra costs before and after the construction process. The 3D printing machine has the ability of fabricating the individual components at the construction site before assembling them (Fortune, et al, 2011). This plays an important role in ensuring that efficiency is maintained throughout the process which leads to the reduction in errors. Reducing the errors during the construction process is vital is reducing the costs. This is useful in terms of ensuring that the wastages and reworks are reduced. Errors during the construction process may lead to the entire works being dismantled and hence increasing the costs. Operational perspective During the construction process various stakeholders are usually involved. Each of the stakeholders has a distinct role that they have to play in order to ensure that the process is successful. The owner of the building is the main stakeholder during the project. The owner is responsible for financing all the activities during the construction process. The owner requires high quality building that meets their needs. The architect is responsible for coming up with the design of the building. This is an important aspect that determines the ability to meet the needs and requirements of the owner. The design is however similar to that of any other conventional building. The engineer is responsible for ensuring that the design is implemented at the site (Fortune, et al, 2011). However, unlike the traditional building process, the engineer must be an expert in 3D printing. The engineer must be familiar with the 3D printing process as the components will be developed at the site. The engineer has to ensure that all the components are assembled in the required manner. The use of 3D printing is however effective in terms of ensuring that the components are developed as required. The construction managers are also important stakeholders that are required in the construction process. The construction managers are required in order to ensure that all the aspects of the 3D printing process are carried out effectively. It is the responsibility of the managers to ensure that the software is operating as required (Fortune, et al, 2011). All the activities at the construction site require involvement of the manager. The report about the construction process and activities has to be developed by the manager. It is however important to note that the construction activities will only last for a short period of time. The operation of the 3D printing machine requires experience personnel who is skillful and well trained (Ebert, 2011). An operator must therefore be involved in the construction process for the purposes of ensuring that the machine is operating effectively. The process is however dependant on the software which ensures that the activities can be carried out effectively and within a short period of time. Only a few numbers of employees may be required at the site to carry out manual activities including assembling. A consultant is also required when 3D printing is used in the construction process. This is because the concept is still new and it requires the consultant to provide technical advice during the implementation process. However, it is also important to note that the role of the consultant is restricted t providing technical advice so as to avoid errors during the construction process. The 3D printing machine has the ability of carrying out all the required activities at the site and hence reducing the need of a subcontractor. The use of 3D printing during the construction process has the ability of benefitting all the stakeholders (Ebert, 2011). This can be attributed to the ability to ensure that the work is completed within a short period of time. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that the use of 3D printing in the construction process has become a reality. The new technology is replacing the traditional construction process. It is evident that 3D printing has the ability of educating the costs associated with the construction process. The overall construction cost is lowered by 50% when the 3D printing is used during the construction process. The cost of labour is greatly reduced when 3D printing is used. A high number of roles that are carried out using the traditional construction process are eliminated by the 3D printing. It is evident that there are legal issues surrounding the use 3D printing during the construction process. The issues of patents well as the construction code have to be cleared before the new technological equipment is used. It is evident that various stakeholders re required during the construction process. Each of the stakeholders plays a crucial role in the implementation of the construction process. It is evident that 3D printing has a lot of benefits to all the stakeholders. The role of some stakeholders may however be eliminated by the use of the technology. Bibliography Litaker, H. L., et al. 2013. Human habitation field study of the Habitat Demonstration Unit (HDU). Acta Astronautica, 90(2), pp 391-405. Ebert, L. C., 2011. Getting in touch-3D printing in forensic imaging. Forensic Science International, 211(1-3), pp. e1-e6. Pham, D. T. et al. 2011. Rapid manufacturing: The technologies and application of rapid prototyping and rapid tooling. Springer-Verlag, New York. Hopkins, N., & Dickens, P., 2009. Emerging rapid manufacturing processes. John Wiley & Sons Ltd., New York. Khoshnevis, B., & Hwang, D., 2009. Contour crafting a mega scale fabrication technology. Manufacturing System Engineering, 6(2), pp. 221-251. Blake, L.S., 2013. Civil engineer's reference book. Elsevier, London. Dėjus, T. & Antuchevičienė, J., 2013. Assessment of health and safety solutions at a construction site. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management, 19(5), pp.728-737. Fortune, J. et al., 2011. Looking again at current practice in project management. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 4(4), 553-572. Read More

The insurance company may be reluctant to offer their service since the technology in the industry is still new. This could be wrongly interpreted as increased risks. The insurance costs may also go up when the technology is used. This means that all the legal aspects of the insurance have to be addressed before the implementation of the construction process. Currently, 3D printing is still considered a service and this may contribute to legal challenges. The longstanding construction laws do not adequately address the issues related to the use of 3D printing (Blake, 2013). This, therefore, requires clarification to ensure that the activities are within the existing laws and regulations. All the disputes related to the formation of a contract must also be addressed. The disputes must easily arise due to the lack of clarity regarding some of the 3D issues.

The use of 3D printing in the construction process is associated with reduced costs. This is due to its ability to reduce construction costs by up to 50% (Blake, 2013). The use of 3D printing reduces the need for some professionals who are involved in the construction process under the traditional process. The use of 3D printing during the construction process is effective in ensuring that a high number of roles are reduced. Reducing the number of employees means that the labour costs are drastically reduced. This is considering that the labor cost accounts for about 20% of the total construction costs. This means that the labor costs can be reduced up to 10%. The time required to carry out the construction process is an important aspect that influences the costs. However, with the use of 3D printing, it is possible to complete the construction process within 24 hours. A single house measuring 33 x 132 x 20 feet can be completed within less than 24 hours (Dėjus & Antuchevičienė, 2013). Using the traditional construction technique, such a building is usually constructed for more than 2 weeks. This is therefore an indication that the technology greatly reduces construction time. A reduction in the construction time greatly reduces the overall construction costs. This is because the delays mean that more amount will be spent on labor as well as other activities. The materials used in the construction process greatly contribute to the costs involved.  The 3D technology plays an important role in ensuring that the building materials are developed at the site and within a short period of time.

Wastage during the construction process greatly contributes to increased costs. The wastage is mainly in terms of the materials used during the construction process. The use of 3D printing has the ability to reduce wastages by up to 70% (Dėjus & Antuchevičienė, 2013). Reducing wastage results in reducing the construction cost. The construction process that would otherwise cost $ 10,000 is usually reduced to $ 5,000. However, it is also important to note that the transportation of the 3D printing machine may be costly due to its size.  In the construction process, large 3D machines are usually utilized due to the size of the building.  A lot of expertise is also required during the operation of the 3D printing machine.  This may therefore require training of the personnel to handle the machine. Training of the personnel may result in increased costs. The process of fixing as well as dismantling the equipment may also attract extra costs before and after the construction process. The 3D printing machine has the ability to fabricate the individual components at the construction site before assembling them (Fortune, et al, 2011).  This plays an important role in ensuring that efficiency is maintained throughout the process which leads to the reduction in errors. Reducing errors during the construction process is vital in reducing costs. This is useful in terms of ensuring that the wastages and reworks are reduced. Errors during the construction process may lead to the entire works being dismantled and hence increasing the costs.

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