News

3D Printing a Technology to Serve Humans and Human Art

With the aim of reducing occupational health risks on work sites.

Oslo Opera House, Oslo, Norway - Image by @maxvdo Unsplash

Many a fantasy has arisen from some spectacular and highly publicised examples of add-on constructions produced by 3D printing techniques, the most obvious one being the replacement of humans by machines leading to the risk of job losses. … But reality is demolishing that cliché. 3D printing is an additional tool for designers, companies and workers, rather than a trade revolution pushing humans into the background.

First and foremost, 3D printing will improve working conditions

Human issues are the priority. Companies will still need their staff, if only to operate, programme and maintain the machines. Which raises another question on the subject of training, as 3D printing requires a whole new set of skills. Without doubt, some work will be necessary in that respect. 3D printing deserves to be considered as an asset when it comes to working conditions and occupational hazards: 

When we use a robot, whether it’s to print in 3D or to carry heavy loads, above all we’re seeking to reduce the harshness of the working conditions

Bruno Linéatte, R&D Constructive Modes Manager at Bouygues Construction.

“While we do not doubt that robots may, eventually, replace people for the most complex and most dangerous tasks, those stakeholders who are moving towards automisation are already considering the future roles of their workers.” 

Another factor to bear in mind is that the building and public works industry is having trouble recruiting; robots offer the solution by enhancing the building trade and giving it more appeal. One example is the Yhnova trial carried out in Nantes for the on-site construction of a house with a 3D printing system, Batiprint3DTM: ” We also had discussions with the workers, foremen, etc. who did express some concern, naturally. But they unanimously agreed on one thing: that this is going to make life easier. If we are to successfully introduce robots to building sites, it will be on the basis that they make work more pleasant for humans”, declares Bruno Linéatte.

3D printing in the building industry: new challenges

Today’s reality is that the construction industry isn’t even close to the widespread use of 3D printing. According to a prospective business study on add-on constructions*, add-on manufacturing is only a secondary field for the building and architecture sectors, with 3.2% of the world market. And that field is restricted to trials or complex items that would generate extremely high costs if manufactured by conventional methods. “This is what the aviation and car-making industries are experiencing; their 3D printing applications are operational but are generally used only for the most sophisticated parts.” 

3D printing for the Sagrada Familia

For the time being, 3D printing only promises to make the construction of very complex or artistic buildings easier and less costly than with traditional formwork methods: 

“Its level of productivity makes it viable only in niche markets. One example is the Sagrada Familia whose construction will be finished thanks to the 3D printing of certain components, including the cathedral’s capitals. For such highly complex shapes, this is quicker than traditional methods” 

Bruno Linéatte explains.

But this technology doesn’t make all of our processes obsolete, on the contrary… It’ll be an extremely useful tool which, rather than ruling us, will help us in many ways.

3D Printing a Technology to Serve Humans and Human Art

Aluminium Systems
  • Thermal Insulation | Stable temperature all year round, due to the great thermal transmittance levels (low Uw).
  • Waterproofing | Sealed construction and water ingress prevention
  • Air permeability | Prevention of air infiltrating the interior, thanks to multiple insulating rubbers that seal the frame.
  • Resistance to wind-load | Durability and stability even under extreme conditions (e.g. hurricane) and against heavy wind load that hits the frame.
Aluminium Systems

Thermal Insulation | Stable temperature all year round, due to the great thermal transmittance levels (low Uw).
Waterproofing | Sealed construction and water ingress prevention.
Air permeability | Prevention of air infiltrating the interior, thanks to multiple insulating rubbers that seal the frame.
Resistance to wind-load | Durability and stability even under extreme conditions (e.g. hurricane) and against heavy wind load that hits the frame.

Marine Systems

Aluflam Marine produces fire-rated aluminium doors and glass walls for the marine and offshore sector. Using our innovative and patented technology that combines insulated aluminium framing and laminated glass, we may offer A60 & B15 classes. Our mission is to enhance the safety onboard so that all staff and guests can feel safe in case of fire, whenever it is new or retrofit projects.

Discover more details on aluflammarine.com
Marine Systems

Aluflam Marine produces fire-rated aluminium doors and glass walls for the marine and offshore sector. Using our innovative and patented technology that combines insulated aluminium framing and laminated glass, we may offer A60 & B15 classes. Our mission is to enhance the safety onboard so that all staff and guests can feel safe in case of fire, whenever it is new or retrofit projects.

Fire Rated Systems
Aluflam fire-resistant products are designed to assure maximum people’s safety and minimize the losses that will occur during the fire. Advanced solutions we use to limit the spread of fire, allow people to escape or keep them in safe zones, without overexposure to smoke and heat. Tests performed by European laboratories proved that our fire-resistant aluminium systems may offer protection from EI30 to EI120 class. The appropriate certificates can be supplied with the product.
Fire Rated Systems
Aluflam fire-resistant products are designed to assure maximum people’s safety and minimize the losses that will occur during the fire. Advanced solutions we use to limit the spread of fire, allow people to escape or keep them in safe zones, without overexposure to smoke and heat. Tests performed by European laboratories proved that our fire-resistant aluminium systems may offer protection from EI30 to EI120 class. The appropriate certificates can be supplied with the product.
Windows – Doors – Facades
Aluflam products are the preferred choice for glazing contractors. Forget assembly of steel profiles. Aluflam frames are delivered as completed units, factory-finished, pre-drilled and ready for installation. Extensively tested and approved, Aluflam systems are available worldwide, and deliver an unbeatable combination of safety, aesthetics, and design flexibility.
Windows – Doors – Facades
Aluflam products are the preferred choice for glazing contractors. Forget assembly of steel profiles. Aluflam frames are delivered as completed units, factory-finished, pre-drilled and ready for installation. Extensively tested and approved, Aluflam systems are available worldwide, and deliver an unbeatable combination of safety, aesthetics, and design flexibility.
Aluminium Extrusion
ALUFLAM EXTRUSION, a plant based in Lithuania, is an international brand belonging to the ALUFLAM Group, which has extensive experience in the structural aluminium sector since 1943. We are the first team in the Baltic States offering services for the production of aluminium profiles by extrusion – both standard and individual cross-sectional profiles.
Discover more details on  aluflamextrusion.lt
Aluminium Extrusion
ALUFLAM EXTRUSION, a plant based in Lithuania, is an international brand belonging to the ALUFLAM Group, which has extensive experience in the structural aluminium sector since 1943. We are the first team in the Baltic States offering services for the production of aluminium profiles by extrusion – both standard and individual cross-sectional profiles.
Profile Designing and Prototyping
At Aluflam our goal is to ensure you get the exact extrusion you require, and with our design & technical services, we can make this happen. Our team of extrusions experts are eager to help with your design, identifying possible improvements, which will save you time and money.
Whether you’re looking for industry insight, or help with a full design, contact Aluflam to get the extrusion you need.
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Profile Designing and Prototyping
At Aluflam our goal is to ensure you get the exact extrusion you require, and with our design & technical services, we can make this happen. Our team of extrusions experts are eager to help with your design, identifying possible improvements, which will save you time and money.
Whether you’re looking for industry insight, or help with a full design, contact Aluflam to get the extrusion you need.
Powder Coating Line
  • Horizontal carousel-type powder coating line
  • First this type of solution in the Baltic States
  • The line is adapted to the length of products up to 7500 mm
  • Innovative equipment for automatic and manual painting
  • Only certified materials are used
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Powder Coating Line
-Horizontal carousel-type powder coating line
-First this type of solution in the Baltic States
-The line is adapted to the length of products up to 7500 mm
-Innovative equipment for automatic and manual painting
-Only certified materials are used
Mechanical Processing
Using the latest equipment, we can offer processing services for all types of profiles:
Cutting at various angles and lengths
  • Milling of various shapes, and cavities according to the customer’s request
  • High speed  precise and repeatable CNC machining
  • Protective packaging according to customer demands
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Mechanical Processing
Using the latest equipment, we can offer processing services for all types of profiles:
  • Cutting at various angles and lengths
  • Milling of various shapes, and cavities according to the customer’s request
  • High speed  precise and repeatable CNC machining
  • Protective packaging according to customer demands
Wall Panels
Sandwich panels are composite construction materials consisting of an insulating, core and two thin skin-layer metal sheets. The core material options are PIR (polyisocyanurate) or MW (mineral wool).
Wall Panels
Sandwich panels are composite construction materials consisting of an insulating, core and two thin skin-layer metal sheets. The core material options are PIR (polyisocyanurate) or MW (mineral wool).
Aluminium Systems
  • Thermal Insulation | Stable temperature all year round, due to the great thermal transmittance levels (low Uw).
  • Waterproofing | Sealed construction and water ingress prevention
  • Air permeability | Prevention of air infiltrating the interior, thanks to multiple insulating rubbers that seal the frame.
  • Resistance to wind-load | Durability and stability even under extreme conditions (e.g. hurricane) and against heavy wind load that hits the frame.
Aluminium Systems

Thermal Insulation | Stable temperature all year round, due to the great thermal transmittance levels (low Uw).
Waterproofing | Sealed construction and water ingress prevention.
Air permeability | Prevention of air infiltrating the interior, thanks to multiple insulating rubbers that seal the frame.
Resistance to wind-load | Durability and stability even under extreme conditions (e.g. hurricane) and against heavy wind load that hits the frame.

Marine Systems

Aluflam Marine produces fire-rated aluminium doors and glass walls for the marine and offshore sector. Using our innovative and patented technology that combines insulated aluminium framing and laminated glass, we may offer A60 & B15 classes. Our mission is to enhance the safety onboard so that all staff and guests can feel safe in case of fire, whenever it is new or retrofit projects.

Discover more details on aluflammarine.com
Marine Systems

Aluflam Marine produces fire-rated aluminium doors and glass walls for the marine and offshore sector. Using our innovative and patented technology that combines insulated aluminium framing and laminated glass, we may offer A60 & B15 classes. Our mission is to enhance the safety onboard so that all staff and guests can feel safe in case of fire, whenever it is new or retrofit projects.

Fire Rated Systems
Aluflam fire-resistant products are designed to assure maximum people’s safety and minimize the losses that will occur during the fire. Advanced solutions we use to limit the spread of fire, allow people to escape or keep them in safe zones, without overexposure to smoke and heat. Tests performed by European laboratories proved that our fire-resistant aluminium systems may offer protection from EI30 to EI120 class. The appropriate certificates can be supplied with the product.
Fire Rated Systems
Aluflam fire-resistant products are designed to assure maximum people’s safety and minimize the losses that will occur during the fire. Advanced solutions we use to limit the spread of fire, allow people to escape or keep them in safe zones, without overexposure to smoke and heat. Tests performed by European laboratories proved that our fire-resistant aluminium systems may offer protection from EI30 to EI120 class. The appropriate certificates can be supplied with the product.
Windows – Doors – Facades
Aluflam products are the preferred choice for glazing contractors. Forget assembly of steel profiles. Aluflam frames are delivered as completed units, factory-finished, pre-drilled and ready for installation. Extensively tested and approved, Aluflam systems are available worldwide, and deliver an unbeatable combination of safety, aesthetics, and design flexibility.
Windows – Doors – Facades
Aluflam products are the preferred choice for glazing contractors. Forget assembly of steel profiles. Aluflam frames are delivered as completed units, factory-finished, pre-drilled and ready for installation. Extensively tested and approved, Aluflam systems are available worldwide, and deliver an unbeatable combination of safety, aesthetics, and design flexibility.
Aluminium Extrusion
ALUFLAM EXTRUSION, a plant based in Lithuania, is an international brand belonging to the ALUFLAM Group, which has extensive experience in the structural aluminium sector since 1943. We are the first team in the Baltic States offering services for the production of aluminium profiles by extrusion – both standard and individual cross-sectional profiles.
Discover more details on  aluflamextrusion.lt
Aluminium Extrusion
ALUFLAM EXTRUSION, a plant based in Lithuania, is an international brand belonging to the ALUFLAM Group, which has extensive experience in the structural aluminium sector since 1943. We are the first team in the Baltic States offering services for the production of aluminium profiles by extrusion – both standard and individual cross-sectional profiles.
Discover more details on  aluflamextrusion.lt
Profile Designing and Prototyping
At Aluflam our goal is to ensure you get the exact extrusion you require, and with our design & technical services, we can make this happen. Our team of extrusions experts are eager to help with your design, identifying possible improvements, which will save you time and money.
Whether you’re looking for industry insight, or help with a full design, contact Aluflam to get the extrusion you need.
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Profile Designing and Prototyping
At Aluflam our goal is to ensure you get the exact extrusion you require, and with our design & technical services, we can make this happen. Our team of extrusions experts are eager to help with your design, identifying possible improvements, which will save you time and money.
Whether you’re looking for industry insight, or help with a full design, contact Aluflam to get the extrusion you need.
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Powder Coating Line
  • Horizontal carousel-type powder coating line
  • First this type of solution in the Baltic States
  • The line is adapted to the length of products up to 7500 mm
  • Innovative equipment for automatic and manual painting
  • Only certified materials are used
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Powder Coating Line
  • Horizontal carousel-type powder coating line
  • First this type of solution in the Baltic States
  • The line is adapted to the length of products up to 7500 mm
  • Innovative equipment for automatic and manual painting
  • Only certified materials are used
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Mechanical Processing
Using the latest equipment, we can offer processing services for all types of profiles:
Cutting at various angles and lengths
  • Milling of various shapes, and cavities according to the customer’s request
  • High speed  precise and repeatable CNC machining
  • Protective packaging according to customer demands
Discover more details on aluflamextrusion.lt
Mechanical Processing
Using the latest equipment, we can offer processing services for all types of profiles:
  • Cutting at various angles and lengths
  • Milling of various shapes, and cavities according to the customer’s request
  • High speed  precise and repeatable CNC machining
  • Protective packaging according to customer demands
Wall Panels
Sandwich panels are composite construction materials consisting of an insulating, core and two thin skin-layer metal sheets. The core material options are PIR (polyisocyanurate) or MW (mineral wool).
Wall Panels
Sandwich panels are composite construction materials consisting of an insulating, core and two thin skin-layer metal sheets. The core material options are PIR (polyisocyanurate) or MW (mineral wool).