Is 3D printing the next big thing in wooden building materials?

3D printing wood has become possible recently with the introduction of various 3D-printed decorative crafts, architectural scale models and miniature items formed from powdered wood chips that serve as 3D printer ink.

The technology’s large-scale applications, though, remains to be seen more as research from startups, organizations and 3D printer manufacturers seeking to develop 3D wood printing are underway.

One research organization seeking to enhance 3D printing for wooden building materials and furniture is Stockholm-based Innventia. It has partnered with Swedish government agency Vinnova to launch a 3D wood printing project called the Would Wood.

The project seeks to improve materials and production processes to aid medium- and large-scale construction of future sustainable cities. Customized manufacturing techniques are eyed for promising materials such as carbon fiber and nanocellulose. Robotics and design tools for wood-based composites suitable for wide-scale 3D printing are also covered by the project.

If 3D wood printing materials become more sustainable and techniques to create bigger and sturdier structures are made better, 3D printed building materials and furniture could be a big potential market for manufacturers looking to offer more environment-friendly hardware and home products.