Prototyping with 3D printing began developing rapidly in the 1980s when automakers wanted to build an engine model quickly and precisely. Instead of assembling a real and expensive engine, they designed and printed a real-size model with 3D printing.
The precision of 3D printing has accelerated the speed of rapid prototyping, leading to faster production, fewer iterations and lower costs. One-off prototypes can now be designed and produced in a matter of hours, often with a turnaround as short as a day.
The types of 3D printers and materials are also getting better, faster and more compact. The key to this modern age of digital printing is essentially its design flexibility, high-speed and less wastage – people want what they want, and they want it yesterday.
Today, the technology of 3D printing is promising and fast progressing. It will also revolutionise the way we approach traditional manufacturing for major industries such as the automotive, engineering, architecture and medical sectors, leading to higher productivity and independent production capabilities.
Gamuda’s Digital Industrialised Building System (IBS) is a typical scale-up form of digital printing, which Andrew envisioned to be a more customisable and sustainable construction method that would make up the future of home building.