The possibilities of 3D printing and fabrication have propelled design by pushing the limitations of digital computation and construction. Earlier this month, the University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center used the world's largest 3D-printer to break a whopping three world records by producing a 25-foot-long, 5,000-pound ship. Named the 3Dirigo, the 3D printed dream boat won three Guinness World Records for the World's Largest Prototype Polymer 3D Printer, the Largest Solid 3D-Printed Object, and the Largest 3D-Printed Boat. 

The success of the project was not only due to the size of the 3D print, but also because of the materials used to accomplish it, wood. Yes, wood. The pivotal detail within the project is the implementation of using bio-based materials like wood as an alternative building material for large scale constructions that use metal.

Besides the accolades and recognition, the project helped realize a design alternative for manufacturing infrastructure applications such as "bridge girders, shelter systems, and concrete formwork," according to a report from Rain Noe of Core 77. Accomplishing such a feat was a milestone for the university and their research in developing alternative ways of designing and applying "cutting-edge composite material research and development." 

According to Maine Senator Angus King in university press statement, "Maine is the most forested state in the nation, and now we have a 3D printer big enough to make use of this bountiful resource." King continues, "Today marks the latest innovative investment in Maine's forest economy, which will serve to increase sustainability, advance the future of bio-based manufacturing and diversify our forest products industry."

The 3Dirgio is a giant step for the future of manufacturing large-scaled objects and structures. Habib Dagher, executive director of UMaine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center, explains, "This 3D printer is an outgrowth of research we have been doing for 15 years in combining cellulosic nano and microfibers with thermoplastic materials. Our goal is to print with 50% of wood products at 500 pounds per hour and achieve properties similar to aluminum."