3-D printing is a technological revolution that has changed the way people produce objects. The technology is part of a process known as addictive manufacturing, which builds layers to create a 3-D solid object from a digital model. As products can be made in almost any shape and size, 3-D printing has been used to produce a wide range of products from toys to prosthetic body parts.
In December last year, the world’s first 3-D printed bridge was unveiled in Madrid. At 12 meters long and 1.75 meters wide, the structure was designed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. Design team leader Areti Markopoulou said, “In traditional architecture, there is a lot of waste material which you cannot remove, however, with 3-D printing, you can control where the material is deposited.” An institute source also said, “The computational design also allows to maximize the structural performance, being able to dispose the material only where it is needed, with total freedom of forms...” 3-D printing is considered the future of construction.
Christine Kim Staff Reporter (christine@timescore.co.kr)
1. Where is the world's first 3-D printed bridge?
2. Who is the design team leader?
3. What is addictive manufacturing?
1. How is traditional architecture different from 3-D?
2. What did an institute say about the computational design?
3. Will 3-D printed products be more expensive or cheaper? Why do you think so?
3-D printing is a technological revolution that has changed the way people produce objects. The technology is part of a process known as addictive manufacturing, which builds layers to create a 3-D solid object from a digital model. As products can be made in almost any shape and size, 3-D printing has been used to produce a wide range of products from toys to prosthetic body parts.
In December last year, the world’s first 3-D printed bridge was unveiled in Madrid. At 12 meters long and 1.75 meters wide, the structure was designed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia. Design team leader Areti Markopoulou said, “In traditional architecture, there is a lot of waste material which you cannot remove, however, with 3-D printing, you can control where the material is deposited.” An institute source also said, “The computational design also allows to maximize the structural performance, being able to dispose the material only where it is needed, with total freedom of forms...” 3-D printing is considered the future of construction.
