Key factors influencing the implementation of three-dimensional printing in construction

Abstract

Due to its wider applications and advantages, three-dimensional (3D) printing has attracted the attention of various industries in the past years. Although the implementation of 3D printing in many industries still has challenges, progress in the construction industry is particularly slow. This paper explores the key factors that influence 3D printing adaptation and implementation in construction. A qualitative research method considering a systematic review was adopted to achieve this aim. Relevant data spanning over a period of 20 years (2000–2019) considering four main databases were collected using specified keywords. A total of 137 published articles were downloaded, and 43 were finally selected after the screening criteria had been imposed. The results from this review enabled categorisation of the derived factors broadly into four categories: technology, organisation, environment and cost. Each of these main factors is constituted by subfactors. An understanding of these factors will be helpful in developing effective strategies towards adaptation and implementation of 3D printing in the construction industry. Since industry characteristics vary from region to region, the significance of these factors in various regions could be different and needs to be investigated further.