SUMMARY- READER RESPONSE DRAFT 1

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.

One of the most significant benefits of ICON's Vulcan 3D printing technology in construction is its ability to greatly reduce the time and cost of building homes and structures. Traditional construction methods involve several phases and processes, which tend to require extensive labour and time investment. The 3D printer reduces these processes by utilising automated machines that can quickly construct walls and foundational elements, significantly shortening the construction time frame. (Next-level construction how innovative materials are revolutionizing the industry, 2023). This rapid construction capability benefits not only efficiency but also cost savings. The technology lowers labour costs while also reducing the likelihood of delays along with expenses (Next-level construction how innovative materials are revolutionizing the industry, 2023). According to Hossain et al. (2020), a report by Markets and Markets claims that 3D printing can save construction time by 50–70% and labour costs by up to 50–80% underscoring the technology's transformative potential in the industry (Hossain et al., 2020).

Aside from the economic advantages, ICON's Vulcan 3D printing technology provides significant environmental benefits. The construction industry is well-known for its high levels of waste and energy consumption. 3D printing addresses these issues by allowing for more precise material usage, which significantly reduces waste (Tabassum & Ahmad Mir, 2023). Additionally, its energy-efficient design enables it to print entire houses with minimal energy consumption. This optimisation reduces the system's environmental impact. The Vulcan 3D printer can be easily transported to construction sites and moved from one location to another. This portability reduces the need for extensive transportation of construction materials, thereby lowering the carbon footprint (Technology, n.d.). Moreover, the Vulcan system's 3D-printed homes are designed to be more resilient than traditional homes. Their durability reduces the need for regular repairs or reconstruction, resulting in long-term resource savings. (Technology, n.d.).

At the same time, the introduction of Vulcan 3D printing technology into the construction industry raises concerns about the potential impact on employment. While this technology is efficient and cost-effective, it also raises concerns about the displacement of traditional construction jobs. The automation and mechanisation inherent in 3D printing suggest a reduction in the need for manual labour, which has traditionally been the backbone of the construction industry (Hossain et al., 2020). According to Hossain et al. (2020), as 3D printing technology becomes more widely used in construction, there is a risk of job displacement, particularly among low-skilled workers. However, this shift creates opportunities for new skill sets and job positions. Workers with experience operating and maintaining 3D printing equipment, along with those skilled in digital design and engineering, are expected to be in greater demand (Exploring global opportunities in 3D printing, n.d.). The construction industry has to plan for these changes and invest in upgrading and retraining programmes to prepare its workforce for technological change.

The ICON's Vulcan 3D printing technology marks an important turning point in the construction industry. This technology is unparalleled in its ability to provide quick, cost-effective housing solutions, as well as its environmental benefits. Vulcan 3D printing's speed and cost-effectiveness are profound, allowing for enormous reductions in construction time and expenses. Furthermore, its contribution to environmental sustainability, through efficient materials and energy used, establishes a new standard in the construction industry. However, technological advancement does not come without challenges, particularly in terms of employment in the traditional construction sector. While it risks certain labour-intensive roles, it also creates new job opportunities, emphasising the importance of workforce adaptation and skill development.

 

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

Next-level construction how innovative materials are revolutionizing the industry. Utilities One. (2023). https://utilitiesone.com/next-level-construction-how-innovative-materials-are-revolutionizing-the-industry

Tabassum, T., & Ahmad Mir, A. (2023). A review of 3D printing technology-The Future of Sustainable Construction. Materials Today: Proceedings, 93, 408–414. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2023.08.013

Ford, S., & Despeisse, M. (2016). Additive Manufacturing and sustainability: An exploratory study of the advantages and challenges. Journal of Cleaner Production, 137, 1573–1587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.04.150

Hossain, Md. A., Zhumabekova, A., Paul, S. C., & Kim, J. R. (2020). A review of 3D printing in construction and its impact on the labor market. Sustainability, 12(20), 8492. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208492 

Exploring global opportunities in 3D printing. (n.d.). https://www.3ecruit.com/exploring-global-opportunities-in-3d-printing