IIT-Madras develops India's first 3D printing construction technology

The faculty and alumni of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have developed India's first 3D Printing Construction Technology and have successfully built the country's first 3D Printed Structure. 

Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, an emerging additive manufacturing startup, and Civil Engineering Department of IIT Madras have established a one-of-a-kind 3D printing laboratory ‘the IIT Madras Printability Lab’ to take this indigenously-developed technology to the mass market.

Koshy Varghese, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, said, "Building Technology and Construction Management Division at IIT Madras is a unique Research Group in the country which has the expertise in materials as well as construction technologies which is relevant to this effort."

Manu Santhanam, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, 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."

Kranthi Valluru Assistant Secretary, MoHUA, said, "It is very heartening to see that institutions like IIT Madras and new startups such as Tvasta building technologies like 3D printing for the construction sector in India from the ground up under the 'Make in India' platform."

Adithya VS, Co-founder of Tvasta said, "Tvasta will be building India's first 3D printed house within the next one year. Tvasta is working with multiple stakeholders in the Construction Industry to make 3D Printing technology suitable and viable for the Indian construction industry."