​NTU Singapore develops technology that can 3D-print a bathroom unit within a day

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed the capability to 3D print an unfurnished bathroom in less than a day. After printing, the bathroom is furnished with toilet fittings to become a pre-fabricated unit, ready for use in construction projects.

This could potentially help firms build prefabricated bathroom units (PBU) about 30 per cent more quickly and 30 per cent lighter than current PBUs. The printing process takes half the time needed in the construction of a conventional bathroom unit that uses concrete casting. The fittings, tiling and finishing will typically take another five days.

This innovation was developed by a joint research team led by Assoc Prof Tan Ming Jen from NTU's Singapore Centre for 3D Printing, in partnership with Sembcorp Design and Construction, and Sembcorp Architects & Engineers.

Mr Lim Tuang Liang, Executive Director at the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Coordination Office at National Research Foundation (NRF) Singapore, said: "Singapore's strength in advanced manufacturing technologies is deepening not only in the area of research, but also in the adoption and deployment of these technologies by our companies. This latest project between NTU and Sembcorp is testament to our strong research and translational capabilities in 3D printing. We are excited to promote more collaborations between our research institutes and innovation-driven companies to drive the adoption of key technologies in the manufacturing sector."

This Proof-of-Concept aims to improve productivity for Singapore's building and construction industry through the use of digital and robotic fabrication methods to reduce skilled labour and manpower requirements.

Moving forward, the team is looking forward to getting the required approvals for trials from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) and to commercialise the technology through licensing or a spin-off company.

See news release 

Media Report:

• The Straits Times, 24 May 2019
• The Straits Times online (with NTU video), 22 May 2019
• Channel NewsAsia, 22 May 2019
• Channel 8, 22 May 2019
  
• Lianhe Zaobao, 23 My 2019
  
• The Business Times online, 22 May 2019
  
• TODAY online, 22 May 2019
  
• Lianhe Wanbao, 23 May 2019
  
• OpenGov, 23 May 2019
• The Malay Mail, 23 May 2019
• Business Insider, 23 May 2019
• PhysOrg, 22 May 2019
  
• New Atlas, 23 May 2019
  
• For Construction Pros. 23 May 2019
• All 3DP, 23 May 2019
  
• Shicheng News, 24 May 2019