Freeform Construction Update...

A large scale 3D reefrom Construction 'print'...

Before commencing our work here in Kuwait, we were involved in a number of R & D projects in the UK. Amongst these is one that I have special affinity to, dealing large scale version of Rapid Manufacturing called Freeform Construction, a more voluminous rendition of 3D Printing. Currently the project in being run by Dr. Richard Buswell (which he started a few years back in collaboration with Dr. Rupert Soar) at Loughborough University's Rapid Manufacturing Research Group (RMRG). This set-up is quite spectacular, particularly in comparison to the usual Rapid Prototyping machine (which are usually the size of a large photocopier), with the rig roughly 5 by 5 by 6 meters in size.
The accuracy and refinement of the test prints have also improved remarkably in the last year or so, in this discipline which entails a very gracious balance and logistic coreography between mechanical engineering, material science and architecture (to mention a few of the realted practices) in its realization.

The Freeform construction mega scale 'printer' (with Dr. Richard Buswell in black in the background)...

Additional examples of Freeform Construction prints...

A few examples of more recent test 'prints' (all images provided by Dr. Richard Buswell)...

Mark our words, this is where the 'magic is going to happen' (paraphrasing 'MTV Cribs') within the architecture and construction industry in a few years (perhaps decades) time...