India's 1st 3D Post Office In Bengaluru: What Is 3D Printing in Construction?

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday inaugurated India's first 3D-printed post office building located in Cambridge Layout.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded India's first 3D printed post, saying it is a testament to the nation's innovation and progress, and also embodies the spirit of a self-reliant India.

"Every Indian would be proud to see India's first 3D printed Post Office at Cambridge Layout, Bengaluru. A testament to our nation's innovation and progress, it also embodies the spirit of a self-reliant India. Compliments to those who have worked hard in ensuring the Post Office's completion," he said on Twitter.

Know All About 3D Post Office

"In just 43 days, a 1,100 sq ft post office was 3D-printed for Rs 23 lakh in Cambridge Layout, Halasuru, slashing construction costs by 30-40 per cent", PC Mohan, BJP MP from Bengaluru Central, tweeted.

The 3D-printed post office entailed a meticulous process that demanded a precise equilibrium among concrete characteristics. This involved factors such as flowability, rapid hardening to support weight-bearing capacity, and ample strength to guarantee a successful printing outcome.

According to postal officials, the post office building was constructed by construction company Larsen & Toubro Limited while IIT Madras provided technical guidance.

The entire construction process was completed within 45 days, a significant improvement compared to the conventional method's six to eight months. Officials emphasized that the cost and time efficiencies of 3D-concrete printing technology render it a practical substitute for traditional construction approaches.

What Is 3D Printing in Construction?

Over the past decade, the term '3D printing' has generated significant buzz - and rightfully so. Originally developed for prototyping products, 3D printing technology has evolved to become a pivotal player in diverse industries.

Undoubtedly, 3D printing has demonstrated its value in sectors like medicine, aerospace, and tool manufacturing since its inception. Yet, another domain is on the brink of a potential breakthrough: the construction industry.

"Using a 3D printer to print construction structures layer-by-layer. To demonstrate the technology, researchers and entrepreneurs have off-site printed bridges in metal, concrete or polymer, and entire buildings in concrete or clay on-site.

Construction 3D printing is a method for manufacturing construction elements or entire buildings by means of a 3D printer printing concrete, polymer, metal, or other materials, layer-by-layer. The most common type of printer is based on a robotic arm that moves back and forth while extruding concrete. Other methods for 3D printing include powder binding and additive welding. Powder binding is 3D printing within a basin of powder, solidifying powder layer-by-layer to create the desired object. Additive welding has been demonstrated by printing a full-scale, functioning metal bridge in Amsterdam," as per an article on Technologycards website.