United Utilities is moving forward with its intentions to integrate 3D printing techniques into its everyday operations and AMP8 distribution.
The action is being taken as the groundbreaking “Water Industry Printfrastructure” project comes to an end after two fruitful years in which numerous firsts for the industry were accomplished.
The project, which was funded by Ofwat’s Innovation Fund, was spearheaded by United Utilities and collaborated with tech pioneers ChangeMaker3D, PrintCity at Manchester Metropolitan University, and Scottish Water.
Numerous studies have investigated 3D printing of concrete and polymers since its introduction in 2023. Delegates from Ofwat joined officials from other water firms and supply chain partners in a knowledge-sharing session sponsored by United Utilities, where they shared the project’s outcomes.
United Utilities reported the results, stating that it has already implemented 3D concrete printing and 3D polymer printing and is now looking to expand adoption in order to assist the implementation of its AMP8 investment program.
Lisa Mansell, Chief Engineer (Innovation and Carbon), clarified: “It is not hyperbole to state that this project has been transformative; we have all learned a great deal from it.
Both approaches have produced observable outcomes, and it is obvious that 3D printing will be crucial in increasing productivity in everyday operations and construction.
In addition to producing assets in a matter of hours as opposed to days or weeks, the methods have demonstrated economic and environmental efficiency, with potential carbon savings of up to 50%. It is good to note that several water corporations are already implementing these strategies, since we have already seen a great deal of interest from them.
Working with Manchester Metropolitan University’s 3D manufacturing facility, PrintCity, involved producing replacement parts using 3D polymer printing, computer-aided design (CAD), and 3D scanning.
After extensive testing and trials, United Utilities is already using a number of printed items from the project in its daily operations, such as a wastewater jet nozzle and a trough for water monitoring equipment. Scottish Water and United Utilities both use laboratory equipment that has been printed.
“This project enabled us to address a range of challenges faced by water companies regarding the availability of replacement parts when managing their infrastructure, as well as lead times and excessive costs,” stated Alan Dempsey, Project Manager for PrintCity at Manchester Metropolitan University.
When necessary, MMU has given United Utilities the ability to 3D print concrete and polymer components in conjunction with ChangeMaker3D. This is assisting them in lowering their dependency on the delivery of new machinery, expediting project completion, and making significant progress in cutting expenses, resources, and environmental effect.
A temporary 3D concrete printing hub was initially established in another industry in June 2024 at United Utilities’ Wigan Wastewater Treatment Works. A variety of concrete infrastructure, such as Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) containment walls and combined sewer overflow chambers, were produced by the hub. In addition, the facility served as a demonstration site to show off the technology to the construction and water industries, among others.
As a result of the project, United Utilities installed IED walls in an operational setting for the first time. By successfully printing distribution chambers and manhole rings in snowy, wet, and cold conditions—testing the robot printer’s and the concrete’s strength—they also demonstrated the technology’s potential to prolong the winter construction season.
“This project has been game changing for our business,” stated Natalie Wadley, ChangeMaker3D’s CEO and co-founder. We are a self-funded start-up in the UK that is steadfast in its opinion that printing is essential to the survival of the world. Now is the moment. Our climate problem and AMP8 won’t wait. We are prepared to grow, integrate, and make an impact because Printfrastructure is essential to building a water legacy that everyone can be proud of.
The Ofwat Innovation Fund was established to promote industry-wide cooperation in order to address the main issues confronting the sector, according to Marc Hannis, Principal. An excellent illustration of what can be accomplished when the industry collaborates closely with cutting-edge start-ups like ChangeMaker3D, top institutions, and partners outside of England and Wales is Water Industry Printfrastructure.
“The water industry has a ton of opportunity thanks to 3D printing to quickly construct and upgrade infrastructure at a cheaper cost to the environment and bill payers. WIP has proven its worth and efficacy in just two years, and we hope that technology like this will be widely adopted across England and Wales in the years to come.
Source : United Utilities
