Adoption of 3D Printing Technology in the Residential Industry of the US: A Content Analysis

Abstract

In recent years, the US population of lower socioeconomic status has had an increased experience of uncertainty in being able to acquire affordable housing, and this issue is only being augmented by the limited innovation in the US residential construction industry. Although there is limited innovation being introduced in the US residential construction sector of the US, 3D printing (3DP) or additive manufacturing, a broader term utilized by industry professionals, has been at the forefront of discussion among Architects, Engineers, Constructors, Owners, and Operators (AECOO) in recent years. Utilizing a literature review, this study identified the 52 obstacles/barriers the construction industry faces in implementing 3D printing in the residential sector. Of the 52 identified barriers impeding 3DP adoption, the top three obstacles were Cost, Training Cost, and Complexity. The research also identified that most identified barriers could be associated with the Relative Advantage of the innovation. One of the practical implications of the study’s findings is that there needs to be collaborative efforts between housing industry stakeholders, policymakers, and technology manufacturers to facilitate incentives and training programs to alleviate some of the obstacles/barriers identified in the research.