#3DExpress: 3D Printed Fireproof Homes for Victims of the LA Wildfires

This week, we start off with news of hope. After the devastation of the LA wildfires, people affected have been searching for ways to rebuild, and 3D printing is playing a role. Namely, 3D printed fireproof homes have risen in popularity as a way to avoid a similar tragedy, and one women in California has become the first to sign a contract with Emergent 3D for a new home. Next, Texas-based company ICON has announced that it has raised a significant amount of money after announcing layoffs last month, and Asahei Kasei has stopped selling 3D printing filaments in its North American subsidiary. Meanwhile, Prusa has launched its latest 3D printer and a Korean pavilion was scanned to help in the country’s efforts towards preserving cultural heritage. Happy reading and have a great weekend!

3D Printed Fireproof Homes After LA Wildfires From California Company

Although the LA fires have finally ceased, they have left a train of devastation in their wake and an increased fear of wildfires. Now, as the area rebuilds, sometimes from total annihilation of entire neighborhoods, the question has been raised on how to prevent this from happening again. One possibility that has been raised has been 3D printed fireproof homes, such as those being offered by Emergent 3D. And in the most recent news, one woman who lost everything has become the first to sign a contract with the 3D printing construction company in Northern California. She will be receiving a 1200-square-foot 3d printed home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms and the best part? It’s fireproof. A sign of hope after tragedy.

Photo Credits: ABC7

ICON Raises $56M After Layoffs

Texas-based ICON has made waves in the construction and space sectors in recent years. However, despite that, just one month ago, it announced that it would be laying off more than 100 employees in order to realign its focus on its newest robotic system for printing multistory homes and buildings using a new, low-carbon material. But now, it seems that it has raised quite a bit more money, around $56M according to financial disclosures. Although we cannot be sure what will happen, given that the layoffs were expected on March 8th, it will be interesting to see whether they still go ahead and in any case it shows the continued interest in the company’s 3D technology.