So far, construction 3D printing companies that have been operating in Australia are mainly doing so via the expertise of a distributor. Local manufacturers as per se are almost unexistent in the country – until today. Boss Products, a family-owned building product manufacturer, pivots its business model that was mainly based on traditional manufacturing processes to launch a construction 3D printing factory.
Described as the first in the country, the contractor’s facility will leverage Luyten 3D’s technology. Luyten 3D is the first company to 3D print a house in Australia.
“We could see the challenges ahead were going to be tough. As one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of street furniture for parks and public outdoor spaces, planter boxes for commercial settings and retaining walls for domestic and commercial use, we were constantly having to find ways of making the manufacturing process more efficient but key elements including labour, power, and other operating costs were continuing to rise. We had to find another way”, Michael Boss, CEO, Boss Products states.
Boss is known as one of the biggest suppliers of planter boxes and retaining walls – a range of products that they would hopefully better produce via 3D printing and for a wide range of industries. Currently, the traditional manufacturing route of a planter box involves an order time of four to six weeks while the actual manufacturing process requires up to ten days. However, the first weeks enable to build the supporting structure for the mould, makes the mould, pours the concrete mix into the mould, and waits for the mould to dry.
To shorten the lead times in the production, and address other issues related to labour and costs, Boss will now rely on 3D printing. “We purchased their Platypus X2 3D printer which they customised for us. It is a large machine with extraordinary capacity that is extremely easy to use and incredibly versatile. “Using our new Platypus X2 3D printer, we are now able to print a planter box in a matter of 20 to 30 minutes. We have cut time, resources and costs up to 95 percent. We are now literally able to manufacture at a rate that is hundreds of times higher at a fraction of the cost ”, the CEO said.
Luyten 3D’s 3D concrete printing technology reduces 60 percent of construction waste, 70 percent of production time, and 80 percent of labour costs when comparing hands-on construction projects, a press release reads.
With this new equipment, Boss’ business would be on the right path to grow at an exponential rate and address several issues impacting Australia’s manufacturing sector.
Remember, you can post jobopportunities in the AM Industry on 3D ADEPT Media free of charge or look for a job via our job board. Make sure to follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our weekly newsletter : Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram ! If you want to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine or if you hear a story that needs to be heard, make sure to send it to contact@3dadept.com