3D-Printed Homes: The Future of Housing?

Georgetown, Texas — A community of 100 3D-printed houses is nearing completion in Wolf Ranch, Georgetown. Icon, a tech startup, began this project in November 2022, using the world's largest 3D printer.

Revolutionizing Home Construction

Icon is known for its giant 3D printers that can print housing walls layer by layer, allowing for unique designs. Their new printer, Phoenix, is a building-scale robotic arm that can print the walls, foundation, and roof of a home. Icon CEO Jason Ballard says:

“[Phoenix removes] some of the biggest limitations of the company's gantry-style Vulcan printer systems while continuing to lower costs and expand design potential.”

The Benefits of 3D Printing

3D printing is faster, cheaper, and requires fewer workers than traditional construction. Dmitry Starodubtsev, CTO of Mighty Buildings, states that it can:

“...automate the construction process, increase quality and factory throughput...[it] eliminate[s] as much labor...on-site as possible to reduce pricing and make it more affordable.”

A single-family home that typically takes months to build can now be printed in about three weeks.

The Cost of 3D-Printed Homes

According to Icon, a 600–800 square foot building can be printed in 24 hours for as little as $4,000. More elaborate homes can range from $50,000 to over $500,000, depending on features, materials, and customization.

How 3D Printing Works

Three-dimensional printing uses a digital file and layers of material to create objects. The process involves:

• Creating a 3D model using CAD software or scanning an existing object.
• Slicing the model into thin layers and converting it to a format the printer understands.
• Configuring the printer based on materials, resolution, temperature, speed, etc.
• Finishing, which may include sanding, painting, or curing.

Sources:

• Reuters
• Business Insider
• Icon
• Former Statesman staff writer, Kara Carlson.