Printed Farms completes the first 3D printed building in Florida

Printed Farms, a Florida based start-up, has completed the 3D printing stage of the first 3D printed building in Florida. The project was completed using a COBOD BOD2 printer, which has been successfully used in a number of 3D printing construction projects over the past year. 3D printing is becoming an increasingly popular method of construction as many are finding it to be a potential solution to the affordable housing crisis worldwide, as well as enabling more sustainable construction as a whole.The start-up hopes to be able to build more construction projects using the BOD2 printer in an effort to bring hurricane and flood resistant, green buildings to the state.

3D printing and Construction

3D printing has been growing in the construction industry around the world. In the past few months, we have already seen more 3D printed buildings in various countries, with COBOD printers involved in projects in Europe, Africa and India. Additionally, we have seen large advancements in the field in terms of techniques and materials. In Italy, the TECLA eco-habitat was successfully 3D printed entirely out of soil, a huge step forward in sustainable building. Additionally, researchers at the RMIT discovered a new method for strengthening 3D printed concrete.

This is the first time a COBOD printer has been used in the US. However, they have already been used in other construction projects in other countries (photo credits: COBOD)

There has been increased interest in 3D printing in construction for a number of reasons. However most prominent are the fact that 3D printing is seen as a possible remedy for the housing crisis which is already starting to affect much of the World, notably in the US. But also as a way to have more sustainable housing as 3D printing enables less waste to be produced in the building process. Specifically in the the case of the US, the Founder and General Manager of COBOD noted, “We are seeing a strong interest from the US market and have 3 more printers on the way to the US this year. The US is short of affordable quality housing and we have the technology to deliver precisely that in a fast and economical way using much less labor, than alternative methods.”