3D Printing Pandora's Box: Plotting Human Obsolesce

          Few inventions have the trademark of defining the era in which they were created. The lightbulb, the automobile, air-conditioning, and the personal computer are just of few of those world-altering inventions.  In the coming generation the next phase of innovation will belong to the 3D Printer.

 

          The applications for 3D printing are seemingly endless. Much like the replicator from the television show Star Trek nearly whatever you ask for can be created for you. You can craft anything from human body parts to even another 3D printer. Before long they will be as common as home computers but the implications for what it might mean for the construction/manufacturing industry could lead to dire consequences for working class economies.  

 

          A single family dwelling can be printed in under 24 hours while a similar one using traditional construction methods can take an experienced crew about 3 months. A 3D printed home costs a lot less than one built by a crew of carpenters and it requires very little manpower to operate the printer. As printed homes become more precise the technology will reach master craftsmen level.

 

 

 

          In 2016 the US Census Bureau recorded over 230,000 permits to build new single family homes. At the time I’m writing this most if not all of those where constructed using traditional methods. Once 3D printed construction becomes more prolific many of those jobs will no longer be necessary. As the workforce constricts the companies who supply the tools of the trade will also be greatly impacted.

 

          According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics construction workers account for about 1.4 million jobs. Residential investment, which includes construction of new single-family and multifamily structures, residential remodeling, production of manufactured homes, and brokers’ fees, accounts for roughly 3-5% of US GDP on average.

 

          When combined the 3 biggest home improvement chains (Lowe's, Home Depot, Menard’s) employ almost 250,000 people and collectively report over $100 billion dollars in annual earnings. When much of the tools and materials they sell become obsolete,  they will be forced to streamline  to remain competative  in their attempts to adapt to a 3D printed world.

 

 

 

          Pew Research reports illegal immigrants make up about 12% of the construction labor force in the US and those gainfully employed individuals send over $14 billion dollars back to their national residences. Much of that money would dry up as many of the individuals who build homes won’t have a job anymore.

 

          As of right now 3D printed homes are constructed from cement making the wood or metal framing process unnecessary. As the technology progresses many materials like, pipes for plumbing or, cabinets and counters for your kitchen, will not be needed as they will be printed into place during construction. This process will require very little wood and will severely cut imports of wood into the USA. About $4.5 billion worth of softwood lumber is imported to the US from Canada which is 83% of all softwood imports. Much of the rest comes from Chile, Brazil, New Zealand, Germany and Sweden. 

 

          The 3D revolution will turn the tides of how business flows. Companies will be moving from production to intellectual properties as anything you could ever want could be printed right in the comfort of your own home that was itself printed by machine. In our increasingly technological environment we have to create some safe guards so that humanity doesn't become obsolete as we let the machines print our future.