The University of Maine has developed a revolutionary 3D printer that can print up to 454 kilograms of material per hour and complete a house in just two days. This innovation, known as “Future Factory 1.0”, was created by Habib Dagher and his team at the Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC). Their goal is to address the housing crisis in the state and revolutionize 3D home printing using leftover wood instead of traditional materials like concrete.
Unlike most 3D printers, ASCC’s printer uses wood waste to build entire houses, including floors, roofs, and walls. The university has already successfully tested this technology with the world’s first 100% wood fiber and bioplastics 3D printed house. While there are still challenges to overcome, such as clogs in the printer and meeting building codes, ASCC is pushing forward with their research. They are currently working on integrating power lines and plumbing into the printing process, and their next project is a 9-house residential complex for the homeless. By utilizing local sawmill by-products and continuously improving their technology, ASCC aims to make sustainable and affordable housing a reality for everyone.
