Coal waste is being used in 3D-printing in Singapore

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore practiced rather unusual application of coal waste: they have developed the first of its kind method of building bathrooms in just 12 hours using 3D printing. This technology reduces the cost by half compared with using concrete.

For 3D printing, a special mixture is used, one of the components of which is fly ash. The cabin itself is 30% lighter, thus reducing transportation costs.

Innovative design is now undergoing extensive testing — the developers expect to obtain the necessary permits within three months. The long-term goal of the project is to use 3D-printing technology for the construction of full-scale housing. This project is part of a ten-year cooperation program between Nanyang University of Technology and Sembcorp, launched in 2016.

Ksenia Kaplieva-analyst