• Scratch@sh.itjust.works
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    11 months ago

    It’s easier to ship material than finished chunks. You can print all the shapes you need from one batch of material instead of having to fabricate and ship the correct modules.

    • SkepticalButOpenMinded@lemmy.ca
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      11 months ago

      But then you need to do significant construction with that material. And it’s not just one material: there are pipes, electrical, insulation, flooring, etc. It’s only replacing a few admittedly major parts of the material. Everything else still takes tons of labor. I could be wrong, but I’m not convinced the labor savings are greater compared to modular housing.

      • bhmnscmm@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        You’re completely right. The framing, which is what this 3D printing replaces, is one of the fastest parts of home construction.

        The site preparation, utilities, and interior finishing work are what take the longest. Modular homes can significantly speed up all of those components.

      • Scratch@sh.itjust.works
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        11 months ago

        You’re probably right, right now. But I am put in mind of ya boi Ben Franklin when asked “What use is [a prototype hot air balloon]” He replied “What is the use of a newborn child?”

        Early plastic 3d printers were clunky and of poor quality, but now entire industries have spawned around them and they have revolutionised at-home prototyping.

        Right now, this is a gimmick. But the potential, if nurtured is pretty serious, imo.

        • SkepticalButOpenMinded@lemmy.ca
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          11 months ago

          Yeah, I suppose I’m questioning even the potential. Some technologies don’t pan out, which is why we’re not all riding around on our Segways. Underestimating future technology is certainly one risk, but the other risk is assuming every technology is inevitable progress.

      • WarmSoda@lemm.ee
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        11 months ago

        How much do you know about the costs for standard construction vs printed construction?

          • XTL@sopuli.xyz
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            11 months ago

            That’s one top reason some are doing this. Experiment and try to find or develop a profitable business segment. There’s very rarely a ready market for any new process.