Simpliforge sets global benchmarks with the world’s highest on-site 3D printing structure in the Himalayas
New Delhi: In a monumental leap for defense infrastructure and construction technology, Simpliforge Creations and IIT Hyderabad, in collaboration with Indian Army represented by Arun Krishnan (who is also a PhD student at IIT-Hyderabad), have successfully delivered India’s first on-site 3D printed protective military structure at a staggering altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level in Leh under Project PRABAL. This marks the world’s highest live 3D architectural printing feat ever, accomplished under extreme high altitude and low oxygen (halo) conditions.
Under the guidance of Professor KVL Subramaniam of IIT-Hyderabad, Simpliforge Creations and the IIT-Hyderabad team have developed professional 3D printing technologies that can operate in extreme environmental conditions. This innovation enables the construction of the protective bunker using locally sourced materials that are completed within a total printing time of 14 hours.
The Prabal initiative demonstrates how indigenous technology and academic industry collaboration can drive the boundaries of building science. The deployment of this 3D printed bunker is not only the first in India, but also lays the foundation for a fast, on-site, deployable infrastructure in challenging terrain, further strengthening the country’s defense preparations.
This groundbreaking project marks the convergence of engineering innovation, military utilities and Indian spirit, paving the way for future infrastructure solutions.
Simplified Creation CEO Dhruv Gandhi said in his speech: “Execution of the project at high altitudes, low oxygen environments in Ladakh at high altitude is a huge operational challenge, a huge operational challenge for our team and machines – a robot printer system is set up and set up within 24 hours and commissioned its functionality to delegate its stability and oxidation capacity within 24 hours. For human inefficiency, despite these limitations, higher UV rays present challenges in the integrity of building materials.
Professor KVL Subramaniam – Professor Hyderabad of IIT said: “One of the most critical aspects of the project is the development of engineering materials that are specifically performed under extreme environmental conditions. Engineering materials carried out under extreme environmental conditions. Operating at high altitudes with lower oxygen levels, lower humidity, lower thermal changes and significant thermal changes require not only structural innovation but also relevant to the materials science of our FESSERITION. Providing excellent mechanical properties, durability and elasticity before deployment, it was vigorously tested in the advanced facilities of IIT Hyderabad, including local integrated construction, optimization of the construction of the building, which was carried out on site. In such a challenging situation.”
Arun Krishnan commented: “The Prabal project was conceptualized and launched in my M.Tech program at the Institute of Technology in India. Several teams and companies were trying to bring 3D printed construction to the highly average terrain of Leh, and the extreme conditions of Ladakh proved to be an unparalleled challenge. It was an unparalleled basis. It was their powerlessness. Adaptability and relentless efforts to innovation allowed us to jointly execute Propabal, and we built not only a structure—we proved that native, cutting-edge technology could overcome even the toughest operating environment and have a tangible impact on our armed forces.”
Hari Krishna Jeedipalli, MD – Simpliforge Creations said, “we’ve been pushing the boundaries of additional construction since 2022—from building India’s first 3D printed bridge, to the world’s first 3D printed place of worship, and the Indian Army’s first in-situ 3D printed medical facility using locally available material. Each project has been a leap forward, and this bunker in Ladakh marks a cruel milestone in our journey towards aliens”.
“Looking forward, we envision using this technology for remote terrain applications and extending it beyond Earth – space habitats on the moon and Mars.
