Production starts on 3D-printed ‘printfrastructure’ components for water industry

3D-printed concrete components for use in the water industry (Image courtesy of United Utilities)

UK-based water company United Utilities, digital printing company Changemaker 3D, Manchester Metropolitan University and Scottish Water have established a ‘3D concrete printing hub’ to print component.

United Utilities said that the hub, at Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works, would allow it to print assets for us in the sector in a matter of hours, compared to the several days it would normally take. The process also generates carbon savings of up to 50%, it claimed.

The hub is being used to print a range of equipment, including combined sewer overflow (CSO) chambers, which are used to reduce spills from the sewer network.

The companies involved are using the hub to demonstrate the process to other water companies, construction partners and other industries.

The project is the culmination of three years of development and testing, which started when Changemaker 3D was selected to take part in United Utilities’ ‘Innovation Lab’ in 2021.

Products are produced using robotics and materials from CyBe Robotics. Some of the items produced are being shared with Scottish Water for trialling on a project.

As well as 3D concrete printing, the project will also see products being printed using polymer matetials.

United Utilities’ head of innovation Kieran Brocklebank said, “We’ve been working closely with ChangeMaker 3D for three years during which time the processes have been honed. To finally see a production line of assets being printed is a huge step forward and one we were all excited to see.

“We are about to embark on our biggest-ever capital investment programme and have tight deadlines to meet. Digital technologies such as 3D construction printing will play an important role in driving efficient construction and helping us meet our Net Zero goals for carbon.”

Ian Watt, Scottish Water’s Beyond Net Zero delivery manager added: “We have already employed a variety of techniques such as off-site construction, recycling core materials and using low carbon concrete to move towards achieving our ambitious targets.

“By thinking ‘clever’ and adapting traditional methods to modern needs and aspirations we can build on our successes and 3D concrete printing is certainly a method that could work very well for us. We would like to thank Ofwat and United Utilities for giving us the opportunity to collaborate and find out more.”