Re:Facit Homes, Wikihouse, and the Plywood Frame
by bruce_bell on Tuesday June 29, 2021 @08:57AM
(#27675143)
I see light gauge steel frame as the first widely adopted digital manufacturing process - i like to think that what we do at Facit Homes is conceptually very similar - BIM to Manufacture.
I agree with the concerns that such a large departure from traditional framing methods creates a risk of water management or air sealing issues, if for no reason other than the novelty of the system.
Another type of system to look at is CNC controlled light gauge steel framing like FrameCAD (https://www.framecad.com/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVCquOX5toQ). There are other companies with similar machines and techniques. These machines start with a roll of steel and roll form it into studs, while cutting them to length and very accurately placing holes. Speed, accuracy, and strength is great. A major weakness in many climates is the high thermal conductivity of steel which necessitates exterior insulation.