Following several years of planning and preparation, the United Kingdom has begun the construction of water facilities that will use parts produced using 3D systems. This innovative approach is anticipated to considerably increase its efficiency and decrease carbon emissions, thereby representing a significant advancement in the industry.
(Photo : ChangeMaker3D)
3D Printed Water Facility
Manchester Metropolitan University, United Utilities, Changemaker 3D, and Scottish Water have collaborated to build a '3D concrete printing hub' for manufacturing components. United Utilities is a water corporation situated in the United Kingdom. Beginning in 2021, when Changemaker 3D was chosen to participate in United Utilities' Innovation Lab, the project represents three years of creation and testing before its completion.
As mentioned, products are manufactured by utilizing robotics and materials from CyBe Robotics. Scottish Water accepts a portion of the manufactured items for a project demonstration, and 3D printing of concrete and polymer items is reportedly part of the project's scope.
United Utilities would take several days to generate resources for customers in the sector. Yet, according to United Utilities, the hub at Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works could enable it to do so in a matter of hours. It was also reported that the technique results in a forty percent reduction in carbon emissions.
A wide variety of equipment, such as combined sewer overflow (CSO) chambers, which are utilized to lessen the spills from the sewer network, are being printed for use by the hub. Through the utilization of the hub, the companies engaged are demonstrating the process to other water utilities, construction partners, and other industries.
On the other hand, concrete printers manufactured by CyBe are utilized by ChangeMaker 3D to manufacture components for the major high-speed rail project in the United Kingdom. These components include water chambers, toilet pods, and concrete slabs. In addition to showcasing AC to other water companies and building shareholders and members of different sectors, the new hub is intended to manufacture assets in hours instead of days using traditional methods. This is possible through financing from the £200 million Ofwat Innovation Fund and a three-year collaboration with United Utilities.
Additionally, the plant will produce parts with Scottish Water for testing. It is located at the Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works and cooperates with Manchester Metropolitan University and Scottish Water.
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About ChangeMaker 3D
ChangeMaker 3D is a company that specializes in developing low-carbon 3D printing technology for the building industry in the United Kingdom. Implementing 3DCP technology enables customers to maximize their sustainability in the built environment, which is made possible by using 3D construction printing technology. This technology is used to provide carbon advantages that assist the infrastructure of their clients in leaving a lighter footprint on the world.
Furthermore, it is energized by the possibility of utilizing modern technology as a force for good, which was established by Natalie and Luke in 2017. They were resolved to integrate their passions for print innovation, skills, and collaborations to build a legacy that would persist throughout time due to their experience with glaring inequalities on a community level.
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