S-Squared engineers and technicians during calibration testing. (Image: PR Newswire)
Last month, S-Squared presented ARCS, the world largest 3D printer. The letters ARCS stand for Autonomous Robotic Construction System. S-Squared 3D Printers is a 3D printer manufacturer based in Long Island, New York. It also services 3D printers. S-Squared 4D Commercial is its construction division.
ARCS is revolutionizing our approach to construction. It can build everything from commercial buildings to residential houses. It can also build infrastructure projects such as bridges and roads.
ARCS builds cheaply and fast
According to S-Squared’s President and Founder, Robert Smith, ARCS outperforms traditional construction in two ways:
- It is significantly faster.
- It can build things at considerably lower cost.
He claims that his specialized 3-dimensional printer is up to 70% faster and cheaper than traditional construction.
The company says that ARCS is currently the safest, most effective and eco-friendly way to build. It defines a new standard for future construction, says Mr. Smith.
This giant 3D printer can complete projects from 500 square feet to more than one million square feet.
The Autonomous Robotic Construction System (ARCS) (Image: PR Newswire)
ARCS builds resilient structures
S-Squared says that its buildings can withstand the most severe weather conditions, including hurricane winds.
Its structures are also mold resistant, fireproof, and impervious to water. All structures that this printer builds require little maintenance. They also have a structural integrity that can last 100 years, says Mr. Smith.
In a press release, S-Squared informs:
“ARCS is mobile and safely sets up in as little as six hours. OSHA instructors have praised this machine for its potential to reduce some of the most common injuries associated with construction.”
“This is a game changer that will revolutionize the speed, quality, cost and safety of building and construction.”
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing. In other words, it creates objects by depositing layer after layer of material until the finished product is completed.
It contrasts with subtractive manufacturing, which works the other way round. With subtractive manufacturing, we start with a block of, for example, plastic or metal, and slowly remove parts of it. We gradually chip away at it until we have a finished product. Sculptors work this way. They start with a large block of stone, and gradually remove parts of it until their statue is complete.
3D printing or additive manufacturing starts with nothing and ends with something. Subtractive manufacturing starts with something and ends with something smaller.