In a first in the country, Bangalore-based startup Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions (Tvasta), founded by IIT Madras Alumni, constructed India’s first 3D printed structure in close collaboration with the Civil Engineering Department at the prestigious institution.
3D Construction Printing Technology
The structure, a simple 3D room module, was constructed using an indigenously developed 3D printer by the Tvasta Team and the IIT Madras faculty. The 3D printed structure is only a prototype which will serve as a base model for future R&D, testing and analysis purpose.
According to Professor Koshy Varghese, lead author of the study quoted that, “We have been working on developing 3D printing technology in construction since 2016 and have conducted international workshops and awareness sessions for this in Chennai,”
He also added, “In addition, the institute is exploring automated construction methods and novel formwork systems for rapid housing construction.”
The 3D printing construction sector is growing rapidly across the globe. Recently, a family became the first occupants of a 3D printed house in France.
For Tvasta, the next goal is to construct a miniature single-storey house approximately 320 square feet in size in three days.
Another member of the team from the IIT Madras faculty, Professor Manu Santhanam, Department of Civil Engineering, said, “3D printing of concrete gives a new dimension to construction. This technology can best meet the complex demands of modern architecture with concrete. The use of a combination of binders and optimally proportioned and sized aggregates, along with suitable chemical additives, the concrete mixture is fine-tuned to achieve the rheological characteristics that make it possible for extrusion of the material and shape retention after placement.”
Speaking about the aim of the company, Adithya VS, Co-founder of Tvasta said, “Tvasta will be building India’s first 3D printed house within the next one year. The impact of 3D printing in construction will be primarily focussed towards the ‘Housing for All’ scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Construction of Toilets for the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. Tvasta is working with multiple stakeholders in the Construction Industry to make 3D Printing technology suitable and viable for the Indian construction industry.”
Source: IITM Official Press Release
About Tvasta: Tvasta is a Bengaluru-based startup founded by IIT Madras alumni in 2016. It focuses on Industrial 3D printing to build systems and applications for 3D Printing.
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