A new construction technology is coming to northern Michigan.

At a meeting Monday evening, the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Board of Trustees unanimously authorized the school’s administration to purchased a BA-320 3D printer from the Southfield-based company Build Additive, LLC. That company “merges advanced 3D printing with the enduring legacy of masonry,” essentially making it possible to 3D print homes. NMC will implement the printer as part of its construction technology program starting this fall.

The Ticker reported last June that NMC was investigating “potentially revolutionary 3D wall printing capability” as a means of both evolving the construction technology program and addressing the housing shortage in northern Michigan. NMC won a “Pitch for the Skilled Trades” competition in Nashville to explore the possibility, including $5,000 for a feasibility study and $30,00 for funding the purchase of the necessary equipment.

In a memo to the Board of Trustees this week, construction tech program coordinator Carolyn Andrews wrote that Build Additive was “the lowest qualified bidder,” offering a 3D printer for the price of $147,877. That bid “includes a mortar mixer and pump, and accessories including a water pump, electric rotor stator pump, slicer software for BA printer, washing station, print bed kit, and shipping,” as well as “a four-day on-site installation at NMC with training, startup, and supplemental process development/material validation assistance on-site for process development provided by the vendor.”

Board Chair Laura Oblinger told fellow trustees that the printer would be funded “from private grants, donations, and fundraising efforts,” all of which have “already been accounted for.” Beyond the $30,000 cash prize from the pitch the trades contest, NMC tallied a $30,000 contribution from a private donor last June, in the wake of The Ticker’s coverage, as well as an Impact100 grant last fall.

Per Andrews’ memo, NMC’s curriculum committee has already approved a curriculum for a new course called CMT110: Introduction to 3D Concrete Printing, which is “designed to equip students with essential skills for 3DCP construction using industry-recognized technologies.” That course will be offered for the first time this fall, with students expected to “gain expertise in materials, design, operation, and workforce development for 3DCP home printing.”

“The goal is to provide students with specialized technical skills that enhance job prospects and earning potential,” Andrews wrote. “Additionally, they will develop innovative problem-solving abilities, as well as leadership and entrepreneurship skills to support their career success.”

Photo courtesy of Build Additive