Chennai: Manufacturing any material takes time and costs money. But ever since 3D printers debuted in the tech world, several possibilities have opened up. So, what is 3D printing? It is a process in which materials such as powder grains or liquid molecules are fused together by using a computer to create 3D objects.

This method of manufacturing is easier as objects of any shapes and design can be made. They consume less time to manufacture.

CITY TEAM

Recently, Tvasta, an initiative by four IIT-Madras alumni, Adithya V S, Parivarthan Reddy, Santhosh Kumar and C Vidyashankar, made history when they developed India’s first 3D printing construction technology and went on to build the country’s first 3D printed structure.

Speaking about their start-up, Adithya told News Today, “We have been into 3D printing for over five years. While studying at IIT, we were part of a club where we made 3D printed objects.”

“For our final year project, we developed a 3D printer. Soon we thought of taking it forward as a start-up,” he added.

THEIR WORK

“We primarily work on industrial 3D printing and develop different types of 3D printers covering construction, medical technology and manufacturing,” says Adithya.

“With 3D printers, you can completely design from a computer and directly get the outfit from the printing machine. We operate from Bengaluru and Chennai,” he said.

He then explains about how they build a home. “Our 3D printers build modules of homes. We then assemble them together. Soon we aim to take a 3D printer on site and print a home.”

He adds, “We are also developing a new type of concrete.”

The team works on making sure that the structures are earthquake proof.

INDIAN SCENARIO

“The Indian government has plans to construct over two crore houses in the coming years,” says Adithya. “They are finding it difficult to execute these projects. Hence, they are opting for 3D construction.”

He agrees that the implementation of 3D printing technology may still be in its infancy but assures that IIT-Madras and Tvasta are capable of competing with the world market.

Tvasta constructs building components in minor quantities and, naturally, the economics of the scale is a bit expensive but over the next three years, Adithya says they will be scaling their production. “So, the cost may become less,” he says. “We are aiming to bring it lesser than conventional construction.”

For details visit, www.tvastagroup.in

CAPTION: The Tvasta team with a 3D structure.