The University of Maine is home to a cutting-edge 3D printer that can print objects measuring 29 x 10 x 5.5 m, making it the largest in the world. This technology has revolutionized construction by reducing construction time and labor, opening up new possibilities for affordable housing solutions and addressing homelessness in the region. Dubbed “Future Factory 1.0”, the machine is part of the Center for Structural Engineering, Advanced Architecture, and Composites at the university.
The Future Factory 1.0 represents a significant advancement from the first version introduced nearly five years ago, with the potential for even larger printers in the future. This innovative technology combines large-scale automated coordination, sensors, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence to create large objects using thermoplastics.
Maine faces a growing demand for housing, with a need for 80,000 more homes in the next six years. The University of Maine aims to demonstrate that housing can be constructed efficiently and sustainably using 3D printing technology. In fact, Future Factory 1.0 has already been used to create a single-family home using wood fiber and recyclable bioplastic materials.
Researchers are exploring new materials to further enhance the capabilities of this powerful machine. In addition to housing, it can be used to create a variety of products such as boats and security structures.
By combining two printer versions seamlessly production can be achieved for complex projects making this technology a game-changer in construction and manufacturing industries worldwide.
Overall Future Factory 1.0 represents a new era of research combining advanced technologies that have the potential to revolutionize traditional building methods and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional building materials like cement, steel, and aluminum.