Meet BigDelta – The 3D Printer That Builds Houses

The largest 3D printer in the world was unveiled in Italy last month in a three-day rally called “The Reality of Dreams”. The printer, named BigDelta, stands at a whopping 12m high (40ft) and is capable of constructing houses from materials such as clay.

The giant printing prototype was developed by Ravenna-based enterprise group World’s Advanced Saving Project (WASP). As well as claiming to be leaders in the field of 3D printing, WASP are also aiming to put an end to homelessness and bridge the equality gap between the world’s elite and poor, while simultaneously curbing environmental pollution.

“The Reality of Dreams”

The three-day event took place from September 18^th-20^th in Massa Lombarda, Italy, at the WASP headquarters. As well as showcasing the abilities of BigDelta as its centrepiece, the event also encompassed workshops, conferences and sharing-based innovative talks and lectures. Furthermore, there was also entertainment as BigDelta was incorporated into the stage and scenery of Alessandro Cavoli’s theatrical Shamballa piece.

BigDelta is exactly the sort of innovation which would not be out of place at the annual Pittcon convention, which focuses on laboratory science and innovation. Although BigDelta would not be used in the laboratory, similar technology can be employed on a miniscule scale to create and repair damaged nerve endings and the suchlike.

Maker Economy

WASP has stated that its goal is to achieve a world where ‘maker economy’ is commonplace. In layman’s terms, this means that it wishes for people to have the means to create everything they need for their own survival themselves. With this mind (and in particular, the human essentials of shelter, food and work), WASP have developed BigDelta in the hope that one day, people will be able to use such technology to build their own houses.

Such a scenario would surely be useful in the coming years. According to the UN, there will be a demand for 100,000 new houses every single day over the next 15 years. Meanwhile, international experts estimate that by 2030, population growth and shortage of jobs will mean that as many as four billion people will be trying to survive on a yearly salary below $3,000.

For these people, the Maker Economy and BigDelta could prove to be lifesavers.

Disaster Relief

It’s also thought that BigDelta will be invaluable in future disaster relief attempts. For those whose homes have been destroyed or evacuated for some other reason, having a 3D printer which can quickly, cheaply and effectively construct a house in any desired location offers immense advantages.

Meanwhile, by dispensing with the need for cement, BigDelta will also be doing its bit for the world’s environment. Current cement production techniques produce staggering amounts of carbon dioxide, which pollute our air and contribute to global warming. BigDelta could theoretically change all that.

Although BigDelta might not be good news for estate agents, the world as a whole will surely benefit from this exciting new technology.