The 3D printing industry has taken another leap forward in their evolution of technology. While many companies look to help companies reduce manufacturing processes and build faster products, a few researchers from the University College London have found a way to help society on a new level. They have taken 3D printing to help with asphalt roads. This has taken printing to a level of advancement that can help mankind as a whole. They have created a material that can fill potholes and restore the cracks that are damaging too many.
Repairing Roads Is Essential
Because filling potholes and crack in the road is essential, they had to create a 3D printer that was portable. Once they created the machine, they needed to figure out what would repair the roads in the best manner. Therefore, they created a material with using asphalt through an acrylic resin base.
They did encounter a few problems when designing the machine and the resin, however, with a few adjustments, they succeeded. Because of the machines innovative design with a nozzle that can withstand a variety of temperatures of the resin, they made the ability to fix the roads at a faster rate. By introducing the asphalt 3D printer, it helped reduce traffic delays as well as stronger fillings. The invention also was inspired to create new inventions that can be used for cars and drones to repair additional needs all across society. The asphalt helps create roads that are safer and quieter, and with the use of the printer, now the construction can be accomplished faster.
Helping to Reduce Waste
Roads all across the world have potholes and cracks that with time continue to grow and become hazardous for thousands of people. With the ability to use an asphalt 3D printer, workers can use a bitumen pellet that is heated to a lower molding temperature for molding or filling the cracks more efficiently. After a few tests were completed, the asphalt 3D printer was proficient in producing the right amount of asphalt to finish the job. This helped workers reduce in waste as well as finishing the job earlier than using heavy machines that blocked the road.