Introduction The University of Maine's world's largest 3D printer is capable of printing objects measuring 100 x 35 x 18 feet, reducing construction time and labor.
Upgraded Version and Applications Unveiled on April 23rd at the University of Maine, this machine is four times larger than its predecessor that debuted nearly five years ago. It can print even larger objects, including scaling up 3D-printed home technology and utilizing bio-based materials to demonstrate how such communities could provide affordable housing and address regional homelessness, reported Phys.org on April 23rd.
Key Features and Research Potential Dubbed "Big Area Additive Manufacturing 1.0" (BAAM 1.0), the 3D printer extrudes thermoplastic. Larger versions may be on the horizon after the University of Maine breaks ground on a new facility this summer. The massive 3D printer opens up new research possibilities for integrating large-scale automated robotic operations with sensors, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence, according to Habib Dagher, director of the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center, which houses both versions of the printer.
Technical Specifications and Guinness World Record Occupying nearly the entire footprint of a building on the university's campus, the printer can produce objects up to 100 feet long, 35 feet wide, and 18 feet tall. The machine consumes approximately 500 pounds of material per hour. The original version, launched in 2019, was recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest polymer 3D printer. Called "BioHome3D," it was utilized to create a 600-square-foot single-family home using recycled wood fiber and bioplastic materials.
Addressing Housing Needs with 3D-Printed Homes To meet rising housing demands, the state of Maine will need an additional 80,000 homes within the next six years, according to MaineHousing. Dagher highlighted the shortage of both affordable housing and construction labor. The university aims to demonstrate that housing can be built almost entirely by printing, with a low carbon footprint. Buildings and construction currently account for approximately 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely due to the production and use of materials like cement, steel, and aluminum, according to the United Nations Environment Program. "3D-printed buildings could be recycled, which is a unique aspect compared to how we build today. You can deconstruct it, grind it if you want, and reprint it," Dagher explained.
Future Plans and Material Innovations Researchers are planning to advance the materials used by the machine, including increasing the bio-based content made from Maine's abundant wood waste. Beyond construction, the machine has the potential to manufacture a wide variety of products from boats to protective structures. Both versions of the printer can be combined to enable seamless fabrication on the same project.