According to ConstructionBriefing, the production of 3D printed components for use in water industry construction has begun after three years of development.

United Utilities, a water company in the UK, along with digital printing company Changemaker 3D, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Scottish Water have established a "concrete 3D printing hub" for printing components.

United Utilities stated that the hub, located at Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works, will allow them to print assets for new sectors within hours, compared to several days it would normally take. The process also generates carbon savings of up to 50%, they claimed.

The hub is used to print a wide range of equipment, including Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) chambers, which are used to reduce leaks from the sewer network.

The companies involved are using the hub to demonstrate the process to other water companies, construction partners, and other industries.

The project is the culmination of three years of development and testing, which began when Changemaker 3D was selected to participate in United Utilities' "Innovation Lab" in 2021.

The products are produced using robotics and materials from CyBe Robotics. Some of the items produced are being shared with Scottish Water for testing on a project.

In addition to 3D printing concrete, the project will also see printed products using polymer materials.

United Utilities' Innovation Lead, Kieran Brocklebank, said, "We have been working closely with ChangeMaker 3D for three years, during which processes have been perfected. To finally see a production line of printed materials is a huge step forward and one we have all been excited to see."

"We are about to launch into our largest capital investment program to date and have tight deadlines to meet. Digital technologies such as 3D printing for construction will play a significant role in driving efficient construction and helping us achieve our Net Zero carbon goals."

Ian Watt, Scottish Water's Beyond Net Zero Delivery Manager, added, "We have already used a variety of techniques such as off-site construction, recycling of base materials, and the use of low carbon concrete to progress towards our ambitious targets."

"By thinking 'smart' and adapting traditional methods to modern needs and aspirations, we can build on our successes, and 3D concrete printing is certainly a method that could work very well for us. We would like to thank Ofwat and United Utilities for giving us the opportunity to collaborate and learn more."