3D Concrete Printing (3DCP)

3D printing of concrete, also known as 3D concrete printing (3DCP), is a groundbreaking innovation in the construction industry. This technology, which uses additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, applies concrete layer by layer to create complex structures directly from digital models.

The importance of 3DCP lies in its potential to revolutionize traditional construction methods and offer improvements in efficiency, sustainability and design flexibility.

Historical Development

Historically, the development of 3DCP can be traced back to the automation efforts of the early 20th century, such as John Thomas' patent for a brick-laying machine in 1904 and subsequent innovations such as slipforming and pumped concrete.

The concept of 3D printing in construction gained momentum in the mid-1990s, with key contributions from researchers such as Joseph Pegna and Behrokh Khoshnevis.

Most notably, the 2008 Loughborough College project led by Richard Buswell advanced the field by making the transition from gantry-based systems to industrial robots, eventually leading to practical applications and commercial partnerships.

Gantry Printers and Robotic Arm Printers

The development of the technology has led to two main systems: Gantry-based printers and robotic arms.

Gantry systems, characterized by their stability and scalability, are often used for large-scale projects, while robotic arms offer more flexibility and a larger production area with a smaller footprint.

Gantry Systems

Gantry systems remain the most prevalent technology in the established marketfor 3D printing. These systems typically consist of a mobile gantry with integrated slide rails and drives, allowing for vertical extrusion. Their design offers high stability and straightforward scalability, making them suitable for larger projects.

Robotic Arms

One of the primary advantages of using robotic arms in 3D printing is their long reach and large build volume, which is particularly beneficial for large-scale prints. Transporting a large orthogonal gantry printer to a building site usually necessitates disassembly, complicating the setup process. In contrast, a robotic arm can retract to a manageable size and be conveniently placed at the desired location, simplifying logistics and deployment.

Material Innovation

Material innovation continues to be an important focus. Research is dedicated to optimizing concrete mixes in terms of extrudability and workability, using additional cementitious materials to improve mechanical properties and sustainability.

Sustainability

3DCP is in line with global sustainability goals as it reduces material waste and labor costs, promotes environmentally friendly construction practices and enables the use of recycled materials.

Twente Additive Manufacturing - a Leader in the Space

Twente Additive Manufacturing (TAM) is one of the world’s premier manufacturers of 3D concrete printing technology to create sustainable and affordable homes and infrastructure.

TAM technology helps architects, home builders and engineering firms develop, design, integrate and project manage the 3D-printing of homes and infrastructure projects.

Product Range

Small/Medium Format 3D Concrete Printers

Printers intended for use in a mobile capacity or for use directly on-site. They allow for very quick setup and tear down of the system.

Kebbekinator

• 3- Axis Cartesian printer

• Configurations available up to 4m x 4m x 4m build volumes

• Simple operation for research and small scale printing

Hofen

• 6-Axis Robotic arm printer

• Configurations available from 1.5m Reach up to 3.2m Reach

• Using 6-Axis motion, creativity of the designer can be fully expressed in the prints

Mid-Size & Mobile Format 3D Concrete Printers

Printers intended for use in a mobile capacity or for use directly on-site. They allow for very quick setup and tear down of the system.

Tilikum

• Mobile printing unit on 6m flatbed trailer

• 6-Axis robot with 3.2m reach

• Configurable linear track with 4.7 - 14.7m travel

Kajiki

• Printing unit on 6m travel track

• 7-axis robot with 3.2m reach

• Configurable linear track with 4.7m – 14.7m travel

Large Format 3D Concrete Printers

Printers intended for use in a controlled production environment or for use directly on-site. These extended build volumes facilitate 24/7 continuous production and large single element creation.

Berlin

• 3-axis Cartesian flying gantry printer

• Up to 40m x 15m x 9m build volume

Leonardo

• 9-axis printer composed of a 6-Axis robot mounted to a 3-axis Cartesian flying gantry

• Uyou p to 40x15x9m + 2.5m reach build volume

Material Handling System

TAM certified Material Handling Systems enable semi-continuous mixing and pumping of 3D printable mortars. All systems have been rigorously tested and are compatible with all printing systems.

• Controllable flow-rate output

• 2-Stage Mixing Chambers

• Semi-continuous mixing

• Easy clean-up

• Flow regulated water pump

• Optional dust extractor

• Optional material conveyor for automated material feeding

Whether your company is new to the world of architectural additive manufacturing or you’re an experienced builder wanting to get a project started right away, we’re here to guide our customers throughout all aspects of their project.

Discover what we can do for you by reaching out to us. We design, manufacture and install 3DCP systems. We can provide you with a concrete printer that is suitable for your project.