READER RESPONSE (SUMMARY AND THESIS STATEMENT) DRAFT 2

 ICON’s website, aptly titled “Technology” (n.d.), introduces the Vulcan Construction System, a 3D-printing-based construction system that operates through unifying hardware, software, and construction materials. Vulcan is a gantry-system-based, large-scale construction-use 3D printer. Designed to be transported quickly and assembled on-site (Yashar et al., 2023), it is capable of printing volumes up to 38 thousand cubic feet without needing to be repositioned. Magma is a portable factory that dries, hydrates, and adjusts the mixing formula for Lavacrete in real time based on site conditions. Once ready for printing, Lavacrete is then supplied from Magma to Vulcan. Lavacrete is a proprietary high-strength cement-based material, designed for use with Magma and Vulcan, with compressive strength rated at 2000 - 3500 psi. Lastly, BuildOS is a collection of software products that makes up ICON’s operating system, boasting CAD and print planning capabilities, as well as real-time machine learning and predictive analytics through interfacing with Vulcan and Magma, assisting workers in controlling and refining the printing process.

ICON's Vulcan 3D printing technology significantly impacts the construction industry by offering quick and cost-effective housing solutions, and environmental benefits, while also raising concerns about its potential effects on employment within the traditional construction sector.

Reference

ICON. (n.d.) Technology – ICON. https://www.iconbuild.com/technology

Yashar, M., Glasgow, C., Mehlomakulu, B., Ballard, J., Salazar, J. O., Mauer, S. Covey, S. (2023) Mars Dune Alpha: A 3D-Printed Habitat by ICON/BIG for NASA's Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA). Earth and Space 2022 - Space Exploration, Utilization, Engineering, and Construction in Extreme Environments, 976-984. https://ascelibrary.org/doi/epdf/10.1061/9780784484470.082