A photograph released by Arup engineers for the first time reveals the future potential of 3D printing for the construction and manufacturing sectors.
The image graphically illustrates how 3D printing – more accurately known as additive manufacturing – can enhance the design and production process to the point that the weight and resulting cost of future construction materials could be reduced significantly.
The three structural elements shown are all designed to carry the same structural loads and forces. The difference is that the far smaller item on the right is designed using the very latest optimisation and manufacturing methods applied by Arup.