Construction 3D printing specialist ChangeMaker 3D has partnered with United Utilities to establish a new 3D concrete printing hub for producing water sector parts in Wigan, UK.
ChangeMaker 3D manufactures water chambers, toilet pods, and concrete slabs with CyBe concrete 3D printers. Set up with £200 million in funding from the Ofwat Innovation Fund, the three-year project will see it work with United Utilities to 3D print such assets in hours instead of days, and showcase these to water companies, construction partners, and external partners.
At Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works, the initiative will also see the project partners collaborate with Manchester Metropolitan University to create trial parts for Scottish Water.
“The water industry has a major challenge, and we can’t afford to stand still. This project really shows the solution, as well as the adoption and impact of the technology at large. We’ve built a transparent and honest relationship with United Utilities, which has enabled us to step through this journey together and remove the barriers as they appear,” said Natalie Wadley, co-founder and CEO of ChangeMaker 3D.
Back in 2021, ChangeMaker 3D joined United Utilities’ Innovation Lab. It later designed the first 3D printed wastewater chamber for United’s test facilities – and its workflow and products have since undergone rigorous testing.
Now, the hub will produce combined sewer overflow (CSO) chambers, which can be 3D printed and dried in four hours, compared to the two days required with conventional methods. It’s also expected that 3D printing will reduce their carbon footprint by 50%.
“We’ve been working closely with ChangeMaker 3D for three years during which time the processes have been honed. To finally see a production line of assets being printed is a huge step forward. Digital technologies such as 3D construction printing will play an important role in driving efficient construction and helping us meet our Net Zero goals for carbon,” added Kieran Brocklebank, head of innovation at United Utilities.
Future plans for the hub include expanding beyond concrete to incorporate polymer 3D printing, and exploring the potential of additive manufacturing in wastewater treatment. Given the importance of water to life on our planet, it’s impressive how ChangeMaker 3D and United Utilities are seeking to revolutionize how we manage and treat this vital resource.
