If you’re even remotely interested in technology, you’ve likely encountered the term “3D printing.” Sometimes also referred to as “additive manufacturing,” it’s the process of creating three-dimensional objects from digital designs by thinly layering materials over time with a special printer.
3D printing has been gradually gaining traction in the construction industry. Does that mean you should run out and buy one of those special printers today? Probably not. However, it’s essential to be aware of the benefits and challenges of this exciting new technology.
Benefits for building
On the plus side, 3D printing offers intriguing benefits for construction companies. For starters, it can reduce costs for labor and materials. Printing building components on-site mitigates issues such as rising costs and supply chain slowdowns that have plagued the construction industry in recent years. And it helps eliminate wasted materials because everything is printed to spec.
In fact, the design options are nearly limitless, allowing for innovative and often more energy-efficient structures. Much of the process is automated, too, which should save considerable time.
Another potential advantage is that fewer workers are typically needed to assemble 3D-printed components. Thus, the technology can help ease the ongoing skilled labor shortage. Also, because of the highly automated nature of 3D printing, fewer jobsite injuries are likely to occur.
Challenges to overcome
On the other hand, 3D printing faces various challenges. First, there’s a lack of regulation. Traditional building codes generally aren’t designed to address 3D-printed structures. Until the regulatory environment catches up with the tech, a great deal of uncertainty over compliance, liability and other legal ramifications will likely hamper its use.
Second, as of this writing, limited compatible building materials exist. Most 3D printers work with some forms of concrete, plastics, metals and composites. However, they’re not much use for jobs that call for other materials, such as most types of wood, traditional reinforced concrete with rebar, conventional brick and mortar, and glass.
Third, 3D printers with the necessary functionality are expensive, as are the software programs that run them. And using a 3D printer on a jobsite involves substantial transportation, setup and dismantling costs. This isn’t like a drone, where you can buy a reasonably affordable model, undergo some training and deploy the asset. A 3D printer, along with its associated software and training, represents a substantial capital expense for most small to midsize construction businesses.
Real-world applications
If you’re curious about how 3D printing is being used on real-world projects in the United States today, there are various examples. In January of this year, construction technologies company ICON completed three 3D-printed barracks for the U.S. Army at Fort Bliss, Texas. This publicly funded project was notable because the design complied with the U.S. Department of Defense’s military-grade Unified Facilities Criteria.
On the commercial side, in 2024, retail giant Walmart partnered with construction tech business Alquist 3D to build an 8,000-square-foot store expansion in Athens, Georgia. Although the project was completed, it ultimately highlighted the challenges of 3D printing in construction, as the job brought struggles with materials issues and environmental conditions that drove up costs.
Something to keep an eye on
Whether and how 3D printing will affect your construction company depends on factors such as your specialty and market. As mentioned, you probably don’t need to invest in a printer hastily. However, it’s something to keep an eye on. We can help you assess the total costs and return on investment of any technology you’re considering.
© 2025