The Implications of Concrete 3D Printing on Earth and in Space

Sven Bilén is the Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering at Penn State University. He has over three decades of experience designing, building and fielding innovative systems for harsh and demanding environments. Sven has used his unique skill set to build satellites and their systems, wireless sensor networks, cognitive and software-defined radio systems, and robotic concrete printing systems.

Sven is also the Co-founder and Lead Systems Engineer of X-Hab 3D, a manufacturer and seller of expeditionary-grade 3D concrete printing (3DCP) systems, a senior member of IEEE, an associate fellow of AIAA, and a member of AGU, ASEE, INCOSE, and Sigma Xi.

In this episode…

3D printing enhances manufacturing processes by minimizing waste and decreasing production costs. It's also an environmentally friendly option compared to traditional production methods. The technology was adopted by multiple industries, testing the boundaries of its capabilities. How can 3D printing be used to advance concrete production?

Combining his interdisciplinary work in electrical, aerospace, and civil engineering, Sven Bilén is leading the charge in designing technology to make concrete 3D printing available for construction projects — on Earth and in space. Access to a concrete 3D printer reduces waste, allows contractors to build complex infrastructures, and permits multiple types of concrete to be used depending on the characteristics necessary to complete the infrastructure.

On this episode of This Is Concrete, Chad Gill welcomes Sven Bilén, Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering at Penn State University, to discuss X-HAB 3D’s technology design for concrete 3D printing and its implications on the engineering and construction industry. Sven also divulges how lunar concrete can be used for space infrastructure and repurposed as a structural component on Earth.