How 10 US startups are innovating with 3D printing?

On 3Dnatives, we regularly talk about the giants of additive manufacturing, from machine manufacturers to 3D printing services or material suppliers. However, there are a growing number of startups that see this technology as the future of their industry. AM entrepreneurs are entering sectors as diverse as medicine, construction and sports. To find out more about those who are making 3D printing move to different applications, discover 10 innovative 3D printing startups in the US!

ICON – 3D printed houses

ICON is a construction technologies company based in Austin, Texas. It uses proprietary 3D printing robotics, software and advanced materials to solve problems in the construction industry. ICON’s cost of 3D printing a house is estimated to be almost 50% cheaper than the conventional construction process. It is also the first company in America to secure a building permit for a 3D printed home. Their next project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, and aims to give housing to 50 families in a remote part of Southern Mexico in what will be the world’s first 3D-printed community.

Image credits: ICON

To support its activities in this sector, the company developed a 3D printer so big that it can additively manufacture walls in under 24 hours. The Vulcan is ICON’s next generation construction 3D printer designed specifically to produce resilient single-story buildings faster, more affordably, and with more design freedom. ICON uses Lavacrete, which is a proprietary cement-based mix to build walls. Unlike traditional building materials, Lavacrete is able to withstand extreme weather conditions to minimize the impact of natural disasters.