Indian Army Embraces 3D Printing Technology For Constructing Bunkers

3D printing is rapidly gaining ground in the modern construction world, be it a lot of newage structures or complex buildings. With this growing trend, now the Indian army has opted for the latest 3D concrete printing technology to construct bunkers in Sikkim and nearby areas. 

As per a defence statement issued, this became possible due to with collaboration with IIT Hyderabad. Not just bunkers but the Indian army plans to build sentry posts and protective structures in the region. Apparently, the robotic printer is portable and is built for a smooth movement in the hilly areas as well. 

The statement said, "The indigenous robotic 3D concrete printer, equipped with a robotic arm, circular mixer, piston pump and generator, is fully vehicle-portable and optimised for rapid movement in mountainous terrain."

The Army said this technology has already worked well in other areas before, and now the Trishakti Corps has successfully used it in the Himalayan region too.

Once ready, the 3D-printed structures were tested by firing real bullets at them, and they proved to be strong and safe.

What is 3D Concrete Printing? 

3D concrete printing is a modern technology of construction where large structures or buildings can be made layer-by-layer with the help of 3D robotic printing machines. This works through a specially formulated concrete mixture that is fed into the machine, which then prints the structure. It is almost like a 3D printer but with a bigger scale.  

How does it work?

At first the overall blueprint of the structure is designed on computer. In the next step, the robotic printer starts squeezing out concrete structure layer by layer, just like icing is squeezed from a piping bag. Then, these layers take a shape of walls, or a room and that's how the entire building is formed without bricks, labours and extra cost. 

Such technology is apt for time bound projects, it merely takes a few hours or some days not more than that. Also, the printer enables one to give attention to detail to their house in the designing process and it turns out to be super useful in remote locations where there are lesser resources. 

3D construction printers are also sustainable means of use and more efficient than the traditional building methods. It exudes lesser Co2 as compared to the usual techniques. 

Also read: Prefabricated Housing- A Concrete Solution for the New Construction Era

Also read: Self-curing Concrete: A Boon for Areas Battling Water Scarcity Issue

Also read: 10 Eco-friendly Construction Materials

Views : 78