Granskning av 3D-printingens möjligheter vid utformning av byggnader

Sammanfattning: Purpose: There is today limitations of what is possible to design and in fact produce. In industrial construction the focus is on standardization which impedes an individual design form, which can be considered an architectural quality. The potential of 3Dprinting is growing, which is benefitting design freedom. The goal was to evaluate how 3D-printing in Sweden today could increase architects possibilities at the design process and be production adapted. Method: In a case study at Tengbom in Jönköping, interviews were included with three architects. In addition, a literature review, a telephone interview and a focus group interview formed the basis of the collected material. As an initial phase, a focus group interview was conducted, which resulted in the actors’ opinions about 3D-printing. The architect interviews contributed with high credibility regarding architectural qualities, which together with the other collection methods gave answers to the studies questions. Findings: The study shows that it is possible to print building components in Sweden. However it is not possible, with 3D-printing, to produce entire buildings. It can be shown that there are obstacles for the introduction of the technology, such as economy, Swedish laws and lack of knowledge. These should be reviewed to allow 3D-printing as a manufacturing method. With Rapid Ornament Production larger architectural qualities will conduce to, where 3D-printing allows unique solutions. Solutions no other technology can achieve. Implications: Customized and varied buildings can be achieved thanks to 3D-printing. Building components such as light weight walls, ornaments and details can be produced in Sweden today. One advantage of 3D-printing as a technology, is that it provides greater freedom between design and production. For further development of 3Dprinting a greater knowledge is recommended for industry stakeholders, regarding the drawing tools as well as the 3D-printing technology. Limitations: The result is applicable to architects, working at architectural offices similar to Tengbom in Jönköping. There have not been deeper studies regarding of printing technologies, finances, materials, time or law. A case study as research strategy entails an interpretation of the opinions, which limits the generalization of the results. Keywords: 3D-printing, design, production, architectural qualities, possibilities, limitations, industrial construction.