Innovation at Work: Can 3D printing homes improve the housing supply?

Apr 7, 2023

Across the country and here in Iowa, there is a lack of affordable housing. Costs are high and labor supply is low. But are new technologies ready to start closing that gap? Researchers at Iowa State University are trying to find out by studying the abilities of new 3D printing technology. They're currently assembling a new model of large 3D printers capable of building larger homes. The goal is to find out if this equipment is ready to compete with traditional construction on things like cost and quality, specifically here in Iowa where severe weather can be a concern. And students will have the chance to work with this new technology to better understand how it works and where it can be improved.