Inclined Layer 3D Printing for Elongated Structures

Enables On-Site Printing of Bulky Building Components Such as Pipes or Bridge Spans Using Additive Construction at Inclined Layers

This 3D-printing system uses inclined layers for the construction of elongated structures directly at the construction site. Traditionally, construction of elongated structures such as pipes involves precasting the structures at a designated facility and shipping them to the construction site. However, this process presents significant logistical challenges and high costs associated with the transportation of bulky components.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a 3D printing strategy involving additive construction at inclined layers. By depositing each layer slightly horizontally shifted from the previous layer, it enables continuous, horizontal structure extension without the need for additional support structures.

Application

Inclined layer 3D printing for the on-site construction of elongated structures

Advantages

• Eliminates the need for transportation, reducing costs associated with hauling bulky prefabricated structures
• Enables construction directly on-site, eliminating the need for time-consuming prefabrication processes
• Uses a specialized 3D printer with variable angle deposition, offering exceptional design flexibility for creating complex or customized elongated structures

Technology

Traditional fabrication of elongated structures involves off-site precasting and subsequent shipping of the structures to the construction site, leading to high transportation costs and manufacturing delays. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a 3D printing strategy for the on-site construction of elongated structures. It utilizes a specialized 3D printer capable of depositing construction material at variable angles, ranging from horizontal (0 degrees) to vertical (90 degrees), in an additive layering fashion. By depositing each new layer with a slight horizontal shift relative to the previous layer, it enables the fresh material to overlap and naturally bind with the underlying layer, resulting in a continuous horizontal structure requiring no external support. This system eliminates the need for prefabrication and transportation, reducing costs and construction time and providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly solution for the construction of elongated structures, such as utility pipelines and bridge spans.