FRIDAY5 – March 23, 2018

The utilization of 3D printing has become more commonplace in recent years, leading to new applications and innovations that were not previously conceivable.  In this article from Inhabitat, the technology is predicted to make the greatest impact in the fields of manufacturing, development and architecture.

Designers and architects now have the ability to print items such as masonry, concrete, and even wood.  3D printing is disrupting the industry by testing new designs and expanding possibilities before a structure is even made.  Read more here. 

And, see how an Austin-based startup is addressing the world’s housing shortage.  Their printer prototype is capable of assembling a single-story, 600 to 800-square-foot home in twelve to twenty-four hours for $10,000 per unit.  Read more.
 

A well designed enclosure is intended to not only insulate, it must also control moisture, air temperature and vapor.  Because of the large number of variables an envelope must address, they are often complex in design with layered structures, combining multiple products to comprise the total system.

Building Enclosure takes an in-depth look at the trend toward reducing the number of products specified to accomplish energy efficiency, durability and resiliency.  Architects and specifiers are looking for solutions to create a better envelope and newer materials can now combine these key functions and benefits.  Read more here.
 

A new kind of metal grown in tanks may change the way we build forever.  Stronger and lighter than high-performance steel – this new type of metal can last for generations.  A Seattle-based company called Modumetal is growing the metal in liquid tanks rather than forging it in foundries.  The material can resist corrosion under extreme circumstances for generations without any kind of maintenance. 

According to the company, it’s possible to produce the material in industrial quantities at the same cost as normal steel, which could change the way humanity builds things forever.  Continue reading here.