SUMMARY- READER RESPONSE 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.
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 entire structures or their elements
layer by layer, significantly shortening the construction time frame.
(Next-level construction how innovative materials are revolutionizing the
industry, 2023a). This rapid construction capability benefits not only
efficiency but also cost savings. 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%.
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 (The future of construction
3D-printed sustainable homes, 2023b). 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 (Technology, n.d.).
This portability reduces the need for extensive transportation of construction
materials, thereby lowering the carbon footprint. Moreover, the Vulcan system's
3D-printed homes are designed to be more resilient than traditional homes (Technology, n.d.). Their
durability reduces the need for regular repairs or reconstruction, resulting in
benefits such as reduced waste, and lower carbon emissions from construction
activities.
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 inherent in 3D printing suggests a reduction in the need for
manual labour (Hossain et al., 2020), which has traditionally been the backbone
of the construction industry. According to Hossain et al. (2020), as 3D
printing technology becomes more widely used in construction, there is a risk
of job displacement. However, this shift creates opportunities for new skill
sets and job positions. The demand for skilled professionals with expertise in
digital design, materials science, quality control, and management will be high
(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. (2023a, October 20). 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
The future of construction 3D-printed sustainable homes.
Utilities One. (2023b, October 28). https://utilitiesone.com/the-future-of-construction-3d-printed-sustainable-homes
Exploring global opportunities in 3D printing. (n.d.). https://www.3ecruit.com/exploring-global-opportunities-in-3d-printing
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