Sessions & Events

Practical Applications of 3D Printing

Monday, October 27, 2025  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, H - Key ballroom 12

Practical Applications of 3D Printing," is designed to provide ACI Attendees actionable insights into the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing in construction. Led by 3D printing company representatives with on-site printing experience, this session will dive into diverse topics such as materials, equipment, and standardizing protocols for training, all essential for achieving operational excellence in 3D-printed construction projects. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of current challenges and successes in the field and leave with a vision of the colleaborative effort needed to support 3D printing as a transformative construction tool.

Learning Objectives:
(1) Operational Challenges Identified: Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the practical from machine selection and material behavior to site logistics, that slow down or block widespread adoption of concrete 3D printing;
(2) Best Practices & Lessons from the Field: Panelists will share first hand experience on what has worked (and what hasn’t) in real-world deployments, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners aiming to design more robust, user-friendly systems;
(3) Bridging the Research Industry Gap: The panel will highlight disconnects between lab-based innovation and field implementation, helping guide academic efforts toward more actionable, scalable, and adoption-ready technologies;
(4) Roadmap for Workforce Integration: Discussion will revolve around the workforce implications of scaling 3DCP, what skills are needed, how training programs can be aligned, and what operational roles are critical for future job creation and industry growth.

Practical Applications of 3D Printing

Presented By: Fernando Bales
Affiliation:
Description: This panel will explore the critical aspects of concrete 3D printing—machinery, materials, and workforce—through the lens of practical application. With a focus on real-world challenges and opportunities, the discussion aims to provide the academic and research community with insights into how innovation can drive meaningful advancements in the field. Panelists will range from small businesses, non-profits, community organizations, large corporations, and will bring their insights from hands-on experience in construction and operation of concrete 3D printers. The goal is to share their perspectives on the key technical and logistical hurdles that impact adoption and scalability. By emphasizing operational insights, this panel will foster a dialogue that connects research-driven innovation with the realities of field implementation, ultimately helping bridge the gap between academic advancements and industry needs. Panelists: - Fernando Bales - Noah Callentine, SIKA - Jim Mantes, Applied Research Associates, Inc. - Richard Reeves