Researchers at the University of Maine built a 600-square-foot house using the world's largest polymer 3D printer.
The printer uses sustainable wood fiber and bio-resin materials.
The goal is to double the printing speed and complete a house in 48 hours.
New 3D Printer from Maine Builds Houses from Wood Fiber and Bio-Resin.
Researchers at the University of Maine have developed a revolutionary method to address the housing shortage in the USA. Using the world's largest polymer 3D printer, they have built a 600-square-foot single-family home. This house is the first to be made entirely from local wood fiber and bio-resin materials.
The innovative printer can currently produce 500 pounds of material per hour. The researchers aim to double this rate to 1,000 pounds per hour. At this speed, the printer could complete a house in just 48 hours.
With this technology, the researchers hope to alleviate the housing crisis in Maine and revolutionize 3D home printing. The materials used are sustainable and locally sourced, making the method environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
"This development could fundamentally change the construction industry," said a researcher from the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine. "Using 3D printers in home construction could enable faster build times and more affordable housing solutions."
