Chile Trains Its First Specialists in 3D Printing with Concrete
The country has completed a unique training program 🏗️, designed to prepare the first generation of technicians and professionals expert in additive construction with cement. This project, promoted by the National Institute of Standardization together with the Chilean Chamber of Construction, arises to meet the urgent need for qualified personnel in a technology that is already being implemented in building projects and public works.
A Training Approach that Fuses the Digital and the Physical
The curriculum integrated in a balanced way theoretical knowledge on composite materials and parametric design with intensive practice. The students learned to handle specialized control software and to operate robotic manufacturing equipment, acquiring the necessary skills to direct these complex systems in a real environment.
Key Components of the Program:- Instruction in the translation of 3D models into executable machine commands.
- Formulation and preparation of concrete mixtures with additives for layer-by-layer extrusion.
- Laboratory practices with a six-axis industrial robotic arm for programming and calibration.
While some debate whether printed concrete is art or science, these new technicians are already ready to demonstrate that, above all, it is very concrete work.
Objective: Accelerate the Local Construction Industry
This training initiative seeks to establish a national value chain around 3D printing in construction. By generating internal knowledge, Chilean companies can reduce their dependence on external advice and adopt this methodology more quickly and efficiently.
Expected Practical Applications:- Manufacture emergency housing more quickly and with less material waste.
- Produce components for public infrastructure such as bridges or urban furniture.
- Create complex architectural elements that would be very costly with traditional techniques.
The Future of Construction Starts with Specialized Training
Graduating these specialists not only responds to an immediate demand, but also positions Chile at the forefront of constructive innovation in the region. Their work will be crucial to make construction more agile, sustainable, and adapted to modern challenges, marking a before and after in how it will be built in the future. 🚀