Remember those ancient clay structures you learned about in history class? Well, clay has re-entered the world of architecture in a big way and is getting a high-tech makeover. Thanks to a cutting-edge process called impact printing, clay may just be the building material of the future.
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Impact printing with clay (ETH Zurich) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Concrete has a new building material in town
By now you've probably heard 3D printed concrete house. It's quick, cheap, and produces less waste than traditional construction methods. But let's be honest, concrete also has its drawbacks. It takes time to harden, and the cement industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Enter the clay to the left of the stage.
Impact printing with clay (ETH Zurich) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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Introducing impact printing using clay
A team of wise scientists ETH ZurichA research team led by Dr Lauren Basie has developed a new construction method using clay. They created a special mixture of clay, silt, and a secret ingredient (“common waste” from industry partners). But here's the exciting part. Instead of slowly pushing the material out, it fires it at high speeds using machines that could one day be brought directly to construction sites.
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Impact printing with clay (ETH Zurich) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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The art of building blobs
Picture this: A chunk of clay mixture flies through the air at a maximum speed of 32.8 feet per second. When these blobs hit a target, they stick together and gradually form a wall, pillar, or any structure. It's like watching a high-speed game of Cratetris.
Impact printing with clay (ETH Zurich) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
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Robotic arm puts the finishing touches
If you're not into the “lump block” aesthetic (although it could be the next big thing in interior design), don't worry. Researchers thought about it too. A robotic arm with rotating tools smoothes surfaces for a sleek, modern look.
Impact printing with clay (ETH Zurich) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
What’s next for impact printing?
The team at ETH Zurich goes beyond simple structures. They are working on ways to incorporate support elements into the clay that is deposited, and are developing advanced software to guide the construction of more complex buildings. They are even considering attaching printing rigs to autonomous excavators. Imagine a robot building a house while drinking lemonade.
Impact printing with clay (ETH Zurich) (Kurt “Cyber Guy” Knutson)
Cart important points
Impact printing with clay is still in its infancy, but shows incredible potential. It is quick, requires no cement, and uses readily available materials. Additionally, it is a sustainable alternative to concrete construction. With increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, such technologies could play a key role in future construction. who knows? A few years from now, you might say to your real estate agent, “I'm looking for a nice three-bedroom, two-bathroom clay house with an impact print.”
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