3D Printing with Bamboo

An Early-Stage Exploration Towards Its Use in the Built Environment

Journal Article (2024)
Author(s)

Jasmine Wong (Student TU Delft)

Serdar Așut (TU Delft - Digital Technologies)

S. Brancart (TU Delft - Architectural Technology)

Research Group
Digital Technologies
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114619
More Info
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Publication Year
2024
Language
English
Research Group
Digital Technologies
Issue number
11
Volume number
16
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Abstract

Along with the circular bioeconomy principles, alternative ways of utilizing biomass waste streams are considered viable approaches to reaching sustainability goals. Accordingly, a growing body of literature is exploring new materials utilizing biomass in 3D-printing applications. This article presents early-stage research that initially investigates the usability of bamboo fibers and dust with bio-based binders in 3D printing towards its use in the design and production of the built environments. The research delves into solutions through a material tinkering approach to develop a bio-based composite material that can be used in fused deposition modeling (FDM). It includes mechanical strength analyses of printed specimens to understand the effects of different infill designs on the structural performance of objects printed using bamboo-based composite. Then, it demonstrates a design-to-production workflow that integrates a mechanically informed infill pattern within a self-supporting wall design that can be produced by 3D printing with bamboo. The workflow is presented with a partial demonstrator produced through robotic 3D printing. The article concludes with discussions and recommendations for further research.