Italian firm WASP (World’s Advanced Saving Project) has unveiled a new super-sized 3D printer that works with natural materials such as mud and fibre to create sustainable, low-cost housing.
The ‘Delta’ printer aims to take the labor out of the traditional methods of building mud homes, providing a way to quickly construct shelters in developing countries.
The 6 metre tall mud-extruding device is capable of printing structurally sound houses up to 3 metres in height.
It comprises three printing arms held together with lightweight ratcheting straps and can be easily disassembled and transported.
A fine powder of local mud and clay is combined with water and fed into the printer, which stacks the mixture layer upon layer until the pre-designed structure is complete.
The house is then left to dry in the sun.
WASP demonstrated the Delta printer earlier this month at Rome's Maker Faire, where they produced a smaller version of the mud brick dwelling.
Courtesy Gizmag