prefabricated bathroom units (PBU) about 30 percent more quickly and 30 per cent lighter than current PBUs.
In the past four years, the research team focused on developing a special concrete mix which is fluid enough to flow through the hoses and print nozzle, yet can harden fast enough so that the next layer is able to be printed on it. On top of ensuring a consistent print quality, the final product also has to be as strong as conventional concrete.
The printing process takes half the time needed in the construction of a conventional bathroom unit that uses concrete casting. The fittings, tiling and finishing will typically take another five days.
This innovation was developed by a joint research team led by Assoc Prof Tan Ming Jen from NTU's Singapore Centre for 3-D Printing, in partnership with Sembcorp Design and Construction, and Sembcorp Architects & Engineers.
The Singapore Centre for 3-D Printing was set up by National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, to conduct research and development on 3-D printing technology, and accelerate the adoption of the technology by companies.
Mr Lim Tuang Liang, Executive Director at the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Coordination Office at National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, said: "Singapore's strength in advanced manufacturing technologies is deepening not only in the area of research, but also in the adoption and deployment of these technologies by our companies. This latest project between NTU and Sembcorp is testament to our strong research and translational capabilities in 3-D printing. We are excited to promote more collaborations between our research institutes and innovation-driven companies to drive the adoption of key technologies in the manufacturing sector."
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