Revolutionizing the Water Industry: The Impact of 3D Concrete Printing

In an ambitious leap forward, United Utilities, a major water company in North-West England, has partnered with tech innovators ChangeMaker 3D, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Scottish Water to pioneer the use of 3D concrete printing in the water industry. This groundbreaking initiative, aptly named ‘Water Industry Printfrastructure,’ is set to transform the sector by leveraging cutting-edge technology to produce essential infrastructure components quickly and efficiently.

Funded by the Ofwat Innovation Fund, a £200 million initiative aimed at enhancing the water sector's capacity to innovate, this project marks a significant milestone. The hub, located at the Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works, serves as a central site where 3D printed components are produced within hours, drastically reducing the time and labor traditionally required.

The integration of robotics and advanced materials from CyBe robotics allows for the creation of various products, including combined sewer overflow (CSO) chambers. These chambers, crucial for reducing sewer network spills, can be printed in just over an hour and require only a few hours to dry, compared to the two days needed with conventional methods. This innovative process not only speeds up production but also enhances safety by minimizing the need for workers to operate at heights or in confined spaces.

The environmental and financial benefits of this technology are equally impressive. The project promises significant carbon savings, with estimates indicating reductions of up to 50%. The efficiency and sustainability of 3D concrete printing make it a vital tool in helping the water industry meet stringent environmental goals and improve overall operational efficiency.

Kieran Brocklebank, Head of Innovation at United Utilities, highlights the importance of this development: “Digital technologies like 3D construction printing will play a crucial role in driving efficient construction and helping us meet our Net Zero goals for carbon.”

Natalie Wadley, Co-Founder and CEO of ChangeMaker 3D, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative effort and the pressing need for innovation: “This project demonstrates the solution, adoption, and impact of the technology. We’ve built a transparent relationship with United Utilities, enabling us to face challenges head-on and remove barriers as they appear.”

Ian Watt, Beyond Net Zero Delivery Manager at Scottish Water, also underscores the potential of 3D concrete printing: “By adapting traditional methods to modern needs, we can build on our successes. 3D concrete printing is certainly a method that could work very well for us.”

As the project progresses, it aims to expand its use of 3D printing with polymer materials, further broadening its scope and impact. The Water Industry Printfrastructure project stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation in addressing the challenges of today and tomorrow.