World's largest 3D printer unveiled, capable of building houses in less than 80 hours

The University of Maine has unveiled the Factory of the Future 1.0 (FoF 1.0), the world's largest polymer 3D printer, capable of printing objects as large as 96 feet long by 32 feet wide by 18 feet high.

The printer boasts impressive speed, with the ability to print up to 500 pounds per hour, and it can dynamically switch between printing techniques, including large-scale additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, continuous tape layup, and robot arm operations.

Designed to address a wide range of applications, the FoF 1.0 is particularly well-suited for housing and infrastructure projects, as well as military vehicle development. The printer prioritizes the use of biobased materials, such as wood residuals, making most of its output recyclable.

Dr. Habib Dagher, Director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at the University of Maine, emphasized the potential of the printer to address the need for affordable housing, stating that it could play a vital role in producing quality affordable homes while driving costs down and utilizing abundant wood residuals from Maine sawmills. It is estimated that the printer could construct a modest single-story home in approximately 80 hours.