Industrial Cannabis sativa (Fiber or Hemp): 3D printing-hempcrete-a sustainable building material

Malabadi, Ravindra B. and Chalannavar, Raju K. and Divakar, MS and Swathi, B and Komalakshi, KV and Kamble, Avinash A. and Karamchand, Kishore S. and Kolkar, Kiran P. and Nethravathi, TL and Coronado, Karen Viviana Castaño and Munhoz, Antonia Neidilê Ribeiro (2025) Industrial Cannabis sativa (Fiber or Hemp): 3D printing-hempcrete-a sustainable building material. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 14 (2). pp. 253-282. ISSN 2582-8266

Industrial Cannabis sativa (hemp or fibre) is mainly used to produce paper, ropes, food, medicines, cosmetics, hempcrete, leather, bioplastic, biochar, 3D printing homes and textiles. Hempcrete is a building construction material made from Industrial hemp fibers, lime and water. Hempcrete is a cost effective and sustainable properties which makes as a promising material in both new projects and those involving renovation. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of creating a three dimensional object layer-by-layer using a computer created design. The process works by laying down thin layers of material in the form of liquid or powdered plastic, metal or cement, and then fusing the layers together. Hemp has been applied in filaments for 3D printing. Hemp filament is a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional 3D printing materials. The 3D printing industry has been integrating hemp into its technology. Hemp can be transformed into filament to be used for 3D printing. 3D printing is used to apply computer-aided design (CAD) files of 3D objects, which are digitally designed for use in different applications or obtained by scanning an existing object through therapeutic prototyping or rapid manufacturing. The building construction with 3D printing technologies could be a game-changer and Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, Chennai, with IIT Madras, Tamil Nadu, India has constructed the first 3D printed buildings in India. The efficiency of 3D printing outpaces traditional building times and methods. As the world of 3D printing continues to evolve, hemp filament is emerging as a viable and eco-friendly alternative. Hemp filament shares many printing properties with polylactic acid (PLA), making it easy to use for various 3D printing applications. One of the biotechnology company, Makeinica at Bengaluru, Karnataka, India has developed manufacturing process, and practical applications of hemp filament in 3D printing, with a focus on its potential for 3D printing services in India. Several companies have developed their versions of hemp 3D printer filament, contributing to the growing market for biodegradable and sustainable materials.