43 Days to History: The Making of India’s 3D Printed Post Office
Introduction: The Need for Innovation in Postal Services in India
Everything has changed over the past few decades due to modernization; from the print era, we have shifted to the digital era. But over these decades, one thing has not changed, i.e., postal service. Almost every person in the country is connected and relies on mailing services to some extent.
India Post services have proven to be the best option for people over these years as it has been the most convenient, and affordable, and has reached all over the country. India Post is a government-operated postal service in India, commonly known as the Post Office.
However, in this fast-growing world, India Post and the government also felt to grow its reach over the country quickly and seamlessly, they must take creative initiatives. The government then came up with the idea of 3-D printed post office. The idea of 3-D printed post office has proved to be a significant step in their goal for expansion of India Post
According to central minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav this project was considered as the part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by the Government of India. Aatmanirbhar Bharat means “self-reliant Bharat”, is a initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government to make India more efficient, competitive, and resilient.
Insight on a super cool Technology: 3-D Printing
3-D printing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or digital 3D model. It can be done in a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined, or solidified under computer control, with the material being added together (such as plastics, liquids, or powder grains being fused), typically layer by layer.
Knowing its Usage and Advantages
3-D printing technology has a wide range of applications, including rapid prototyping, aerospace components, medical implants, architectural models, custom prosthetics, jewellery, and more. Its flexibility and versatility make it valuable across many industries.
3-D printing offers several advantages, including rapid production, reduced waste, customization, and the ability to create complex, one-of-a-kind designs. It has the potential to reshape manufacturing, supply chains, and product development.
Collaborative Endeavors
The project was carried out by Larsen and Turbo under technical assistance from IIT–Madras. Professor Manu Santhanam from the Building Technology and Construction Management Division, Department of Civil Engineering in IIT-M provided his visionary guidance for the project.
IIT Madras and L&T conducted several meetings in the run-up to the construction of the post office. Prof Ravindra Gettu from IIT-M was involved as the primary advisor who guided the compatibility of the proposed 3-D printed technology with conventional construction. He also assessed the detailed techno-commercial proposal by L&T.
Other participants from IIT-M included professors Meher Prasad and Pradeep Pratapa who oversaw the assessment of material and structural design, construction methodology, and schedule, and approval of design and construction concepts.
Idea to Innovation
The 3-D printing technology used in the project was imported from Denmark. The technology was flexible to adapt site dimensions and to combine curved surfaces with no difficulty. Also, it showed no constraints on plane walls. The technology also enabled continuous reinforced concrete footing and three-layer walls with outer layers printed with concrete and the middle-reinforced concrete.
The final construction schedule came down to just 43 days, much shorter than conventional construction methods and with less material wastage. Furthermore, the overall cost that came out is Rs. 25 lakh (INR 2.5 million) for a built-up area of 1021 sq. ft which somewhat resembles to structure of a bell.
Addressing Challenges and Adapting to Change
The use of this technology could largely impact the construction workers mainly unskilled ones, as it can construct the buildings and structure in no time with more precision and less amount. Also, it could have slight impact on other professions also related to construction such as site managers, plumbers, painter, and many others. Moreover, discussing the solution to address this problem the professionals related to this field should upgrade themselves by learning about this technology.
However, according to Prof Santhanam for mass housing projects in urban areas, existing technologies such as pre-cast concrete can be quicker and more efficient.
Conclusion
After this project for sure, there could be a possibility that we could see more 3-D printed models and buildings in the coming few years in India. 3-D printing is a much better and more convenient way than conventional construction methods. Expanding the potential of this technology, we can build massive and complex structures with no difficulty in the remote parts of the country.