The latest in 3D printing technology, with a focus on construction and manufacturing, will be the subject of an exhibition at Westerner Park’s Parkland Pavilion on April 4 and 5.
SmartMTX (Smart Manufacturing Technology Exhibition) will feature an on-site, concrete 3D printing demonstration to show how a durable, accessible public washroom prototype can be printed in one day, or even half a day, to showcase how the technology could be applied to challenges such as affordable housing.
The exhibition will also explore the use of materials like on-site natural soils and combining them with local agricultural waste products like hemp fibers for 3D construction printing.
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“Our goal at 3D Space Terraform is to explore and reconfigure natural soils for construction printing applications using advanced natural building science and engineering to provide community-appropriate housing solutions,” said CEO Christina Goodvin in a statement.
“We have been printing with multiple materials towards this end, from local clay combinations to hempcrete and various natural (clay-based) geopolymers.”
Peter Krzesinski, event organizer and Manufacturing and Export Enhancement Cluster executive director, said implementing 3D printing technologies can seem intimidating to small and mid-sized manufacturers.
“Our hope is that by bringing together solution providers, support organizations, and manufacturers we can demonstrate the vast potential of this technology and the supports available,” Krzesinski said.
SmartMTX will help manufacturers identify local resources and learn about smart manufacturing technologies.
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The event includes over 40,000 square feet of exhibitions, industry talks, and discussion panels. Admission is free, but advance registration is required at www.smartmtx.ca/attend.
SmartMTX will be brought to Red Deer by Manufacturing and Export Enhancement Cluster, Red Deer Polytechnic and Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce.
szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
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