Deep Tech Startup Tvasta constructs Kolkata’s first 3D printed structure at Garden Reach Shipbuilders

The structure, constructed in 10 days by Tvasta at this Nationalized shipyard, demonstrates the capability of advanced construction technology

Deep Tech Startup Tvasta Manufacturing Solutions, which specializes in Construction 3D Printing, has constructed Kolkata’s first 3D Printed structure at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited, a nationalised shipyard. This is the first project in a series of potential large-scale construction projects using 3D printing for GRSE.

Giridhar Aramane, IAS, Defence Secretary, Government of India, inaugurated the Structure during a ceremony on 31December 2022. The 3D printed Site Office Project, which was built as a technology Demonstrator, would be utilized by GRSE for monitoring Anti-submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASWSWCs).

The 3D Printed Modular Site Office was designed and executed in 10 days. It has a size of 180 square feet and has a customized design providing a comfortable working space for 6 to 8 people. An Offsite Construction Methodology was followed for this project.

The printing of modules of the structure was completed in 2.5 days at Tvasta’s factory in Chennai. It was transported to the site location in the form of modules, which enables swift assembly and finishing and efficient use of labor.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited is a Mini Ratna Category 1 Company that has so far delivered 108 warships to India and other countries. It is an integral part of Indian Defense preparedness to produce the most modern warships through indigenization for the country aimed at self-reliance     

Elaborating on the need for such projects, Adithya VS, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tvasta Manufacturing, said, “This project depicts the necessity and capability of advanced construction technology in the infrastructure development of the country across various sectors. The execution strategy for the current project incorporated an optimal use of durable materials to ensure robustness and sustainability, thereby generating less wastage and a lower carbon footprint. Tvasta is currently focusing on modular construction such as this structure which will be a useful solution for quick infrastructure and ‘assemblable buildings’.”

Construction 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process where the material is added layer by layer to build a structure. Operated through an automated system, this is a purely Industry 4.0 era technology and can be termed as ‘digitized construction.’ 3D Printing is a modern technology adapted to automate the construction process to a considerable degree.

Founded in 2016 by IIT Madras Alumni, Tvasta developed a ‘Made in India’ technology focusing on leveraging Automation and Robotics in 3D Printing Platforms for faster, economical and sustainable construction methods compared to conventional technologies. The start-up is currently based out of Chennai and Bengaluru.

India’s First 3D Printed House was constructed by Tvasta in the IIT Madras Campus, demonstrating its capabilities and feasibility in the actualization of a physical structure. This pilot structure along with the indigenously developed technology also marks the start-up’s endeavours in highlighting a potential alternative solution that may address India’s housing and infrastructure challenges.

Additionally, Tvasta has successfully constructed India's first 3D printed Monument, "Ananta Siras" for the 75th Anniversary of The India Cements Ltd. in Chennai last year.