United Utilities, in collaboration with ChangeMaker 3D, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Scottish Water, has established a 3D concrete printing hub in Wigan. This facility aims to rapidly produce water infrastructure assets, significantly reducing production time. Key components such as combined sewer overflow (CSO) chambers can be printed in just over an hour and require a minimum of three hours to dry, compared to the traditional two days.
Funded by the Ofwat Innovation Fund, this initiative demonstrates the efficiency of 3D concrete printing, boasting up to 50% carbon savings. The hub, located at Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works, serves as a demonstration site for other water companies and sectors. The printed products, utilizing CyBe robotics, include items shared with Scottish Water for further trials.
The project follows three years of development and testing, originating from ChangeMaker 3D’s participation in United Utilities’ Innovation Lab in 2021. In 2022, they produced the first wastewater chamber for testing at United Utilities’ Cheshire facility. Ongoing trials ensure the suitability of the printed products.
“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, said United Utilities head of innovation Kieran Brocklebank.
“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.”
The effort highlights the critical need for innovation in the water industry, and underscores the environmental and safety benefits of 3D printing technology in water infrastructure.
Source: newcivilengineer.com
