TIONG SENG HOLDINGS: Venturing into 3D printing for construction

Mainboard-listed construction group and property developer, Tiong Seng Holdings Limited (長成控股) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Laing O’Rourke to further the development and utilisation of 3D printing technology for the construction industry. Mock-up curved concrete panels produced using FreeFAB™ technology. Photo: Laing O'Rourke With an annual turnover of approximately £3.2 billion and a total of 15,273 employees, Laing O’Rourke has helped forge cities, communities and economies. Leveraging on Laing O’Rourke’s proprietary FreeFAB™ technology, Tiong Seng will explore 3D printing for construction that allows complex building components and prototypes to be designed and fabricated in a cost-effective manner with shorter lead times.

FreeFAB™ has also enabled the creation of unique designs and shapes of structure formerly unattainable through conventional methods.

One of Laing O’Rourke’s highest profile and most notable infrastructure projects in Britain, the Crossrail and its core Elizabeth line, feature curved concrete panels that line the roof and glide around corners never seen before on such a scale.

Harnessing its FreeFAB™ 3D printing technology, Laing O’Rourke was able to achieve a high degree of control over the geometry and finished form of the precast components.

"We are delighted to be partnering with industry leader Laing O’Rourke, leveraging on their world-class expertise which spans the full range of engineering and construction offerings alongside its proprietary FreeFAB™ 3D printing technology. This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership which will bring the next wave of technological revolution in the form of 3D printing to the construction industry." -- Pek Lian Guan (photo),  CEO, Tiong Seng Holdings.

Encompassing a combination of both 3D printing and five-axis surface milling that is ideally suited to off-site precast facilities, Laing O’Rourke’s FreeFAB™ technology supports Tiong Seng’s manufacturing-for-construction approach.

With the adoption of re-useable wax as the medium for printing, the technology will also dramatically reduce the carbon footprint from production and support Tiong Seng’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Mr Pek Lian Guan (白連源), CEO of Tiong Seng Holdings Limited, commented, “Staying one step ahead of the curve, Tiong Seng has always been an early adopter of innovative construction technologies. Our partnership with Laing O’Rourke is a natural progression for the Group as we look to continually enhance our suite of construction capabilities.”