How 3D Printing Is Reshaping Labor Dynamics in the Construction Industry

As much as construction relies on heavy machinery and robotics, it needs human labor. This has been the status quo for decades — but that’s all about to change. Three-dimensional printing is drastically reshaping labor dynamics. How far will its reach extend?

Construction’s Current Labor Dynamics

Construction may be one of the most labor-intensive sectors in the world, but it isn’t getting much done. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, single-family residential construction productivity dropped by 0.8% from 2019 to 2023, even though hours worked were up by 0.9%.

Highway, street and bridge construction fared even worse, with labor productivity down 3.6% despite hours worked increasing by 0.8% in the same period. While industrial and multifamily residential construction saw improvements, that’s still half the sector’s efficiency down.

Construction is one of the most labor-intensive industries in the world. It employs 7% to 8.5% of the working population worldwide. Despite various technological advancements, it has remained entirely reliant on human labor — until now.

Frankly, the industry is long overdue for change. That’s where 3D printing comes in. This tech operates mostly autonomously, only relying on humans for design, instruction and operation. If it becomes standard, it could permanently reshape labor dynamics.

How 3D Printing Impacts Labor Dynamics

There are four main ways 3D printing tech impacts labor dynamics in construction.

Management

Workforce management is essential. Placing workers in positions best suited to their skill set and experience helps support labor productivity and project efficiency. 3D printing will affect supervision and management, influencing what positions decision-makers consider compatible.

Skill Sets

Workers will need to upskill or reskill soon to compensate for technological advancements. According to the Word Economic Forum, around 44% of employees’ skills will become irrelevant by 2027. Technology literacy is one of the fastest-growing core skills.

Responsibilities

An industrial 3D printer can build a foundation, walls and roof with minimal human intervention. Specialized machines can also weld, prototype scale models of blueprints or create custom tools. With all of that work automated, workers will need to find something new to do.

Workflows

A 3D printer can work much faster than humans because it doesn’t need to take breaks or go home for the night. Its automation capabilities could accelerate projects' most time-consuming phases, permanently changing traditional workflows.

Does 3D Printing Tech Outperform Workers?

An industrial 3D printer can make building processes more efficient and accurate. Since human error makes up 80% of all defects in housing construction, companies could lower material consumption by up to 40% if they used this tech instead of relying on people alone.

3D printing tech could walk circles around people, outperforming people in speed, efficiency and precision. It effectively forces workers to adapt or get replaced, shifting traditional labor roles toward more technologically advanced positions.

If companies don’t need to rely on employees as much, they save a ton of money. In construction, labor costs account for 30% to 50% of total expenses, so they stand to save that much. This could greatly impact what they charge or what materials they use.

Incorporating 3D printing tech into construction is only the beginning. Firms invested about $50 billion in architecture, engineering and construction tech from 2020 to 2022 — up 85% from 2017 to 2019 — for a reason. Digitalization will soon become an industry-wide standard.

The Implications of This Industry-Wide Change

The broader implications for the industry’s shifting labor dynamics are worth discussing.

1. Safety

3D printing tech could make worksites safer. For one, it produces fewer defects, leading to safer buildings. During construction, it can go into hard-to-reach places to keep workers out of harm’s way. Also, it eliminates or takes over dangerous tasks like lifting and welding.

2. Sustainability

Using one formula instead of various materials shrinks companies’ need to ship, reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Also, since using a 3D printer is cost-effective, leaders can afford to invest in sustainable building materials — which are 3% to 4% more expensive on average.

3. Training

3D printing tech likely won’t stay the same as time passes. To keep up with its inevitable technological evolutions — and the wave of integrations that’s likely to follow — ongoing employee training will be necessary.

The Future of 3D Printing in Construction

Workers may be wary of accepting a machine that could eventually replace them, so business leaders must help workers adapt to make implementation seamless. Raising awareness and conducting employee training programs is essential.