CONSTRUCTION 4.0
larger expectation , there ’ s a need for some of those tasks to return to site ,” confirms Watts , who highlights the benefits 3D printing can offer . “ Ongoing assemblies require on-site testing where parts of the building can also be made using 3D printing . At its most basic level , when panels are damaged on-site it allows for materials to be renewed without waiting weeks for replacements . As well as checking the output and validating what is installed , the construction labs can provide a cost saving by producing small components and key assemblies . It ’ s not about moving the entire factory to site – though things may progress that way in the future – it ’ s a way of keeping the construction process moving forward with that infrastructure available at the job site .”
So what trends is Watts seeing in the industry that can support and complement the implementation of 3D printing ? “ All buildings of any note are becoming mass customised in their design approach and 3D printing supports that ,” he says . “ In addition to 3D printing and multi-layered routing and cutting machines controlled by computers that can do multiple tasks on one assembly , there is the gradual introduction of robots or cobots ( collaborative robots ) where
“ I am proud that Newtecnic is in the vanguard of a technological movement that solves many of the cost , environmental , energy , logistics and waste problems that the industry faces ”
ANDREW WATTS CEO of Newtecnic