A TECH start-up based at Malvern Science Park has achieved a ‘first’ for the UK water industry by demonstrating the use of 3D concrete printed infrastructure.
Working in partnership with United Utilities, ChangeMaker3D Ltd has proved that new technology – known as ‘Printfrastructure’ – has significant environmental, community and cost benefits.
During a 12-month period, ChangeMaker3D worked with United Utilities to successfully design, 3D-print and install a wastewater chamber at one of the utility company’s test facilities in Cheshire.
With testing now complete, the partners say it proves the huge potential of 3D printing for construction and could lead to widespread benefits for other sectors and regions.
In the case of the water chamber, ‘Printfrastructure’ delivered a 25% reduction in carbon, 20% cost saving and 55% reduction in labour versus traditional construction methods. The team also point to the extremely fast build time – the chamber was printed in under four hours, and with a significant reduction in the materials used.
Natalie Wadley, co-founder and CEO of ChangeMaker3D, said: “We believe 3D printed concrete has the potential to help deliver the green growth our country needs. We want to prove this is a technology that can bring benefits not just for other parts of the UK, but here in the Midlands in terms of greener infrastructure, jobs and skills.
“After months of hard work, we are thrilled to see the water chamber in situ, with proven environmental and cost benefits. It’s the result of a brilliant collaboration with United Utilities and our team of delivery partners.”
