The Concept
The main principle of construction 3d printing technology is the extrusion of special mixture, layer by layer, according to a provided three- dimensional computer model.
The advantages of construction 3D printing are truly significant, including, but not limited to, reduced construction time, costs optimization, minimized harmful environmental impact, as well as the ability to create more complex and unique designs.
The market size for construction 3D printing is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, with potential applications in residential, commercial, and industrial construction. The advancement potential for construction 3D printing is also high, with ongoing research and development aimed at improving the technology and expanding its capabilities.
Find out more about 3d printing from our in- depth research:
By material
Cement-based concrete/concrete-like mixes:
Concrete is most often understood as a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, or crushed stone. Most common concrete mixtures, including those for 3D printing, use Portland cement as the key ingredient. However, some companies have come up with the concrete-like mixes that increase the durability/rigidity of the end product, as well as make the material itself more sustainable, by adding fibers/other materials to traditional mixture of cement and sand (gravel/stone). Up to date, the majority of 3D printed construction projects were implemented with the use of concrete/concrete-like mixes.
Proprietary concrete mixes:
More sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional, Portland cement-based concrete mixes. Initially introduced with closed-use compatibility to the construction 3D printers, with good adhesion between layers and free flow through the printer nozzle. These mixes are composed of one or more special additives (geopolymer, green cement, gypsum, lime, steel etc.) that partially or completely replace Portland cement & make the end-product much more functional, ecologically sustainable and suitable for 3D printing.
Natural material mixes, metal & plastic
Up to date, several companies have succeeded in replacing concrete mixes with an environmentally friendly, natural alternative (clay, soil, clay, sand, rice hulls, straw etc.). As such, Italian WASP managed to manufacture home using only mud in 2020. Later on, they have completed the world-famous Tecla House, in which rice waste made up 65% of total materials volume used. Another alternative is metal printing: although there are no completed residential project yet, metal is widely used in printing bridges and producing parts of commercial buildings. Finally, California-based startup Mighty Buildings is worth mentioning separately for its experiments with plastic 3D printing, which were globally recognized for satefy, durability and quality verification.
By technology
Residential/commercial buildings:
Back in 2010s, first buildings created with the use of additive manufacturing (AM) were literally put together piece-by-piece. Today, with a substantial technological progress made, the entire buildings can be made on-site. However, modular (prefab) construction remains quite popular due to an increasing application of 3D printing in building multi-story house.
Infrastructure facilities:
Apart from construction of the entire buildings, applications of 3D printing technologies can also be highly beneficial to manufacturing infrastructure objects, including, but not limited to, bridges. The pioneers in 3D printed pedestrian bridges were Netherlands: the company called MX3D created a unique robotic arm capable to print with steel. Apart from it, several projects of 3D printed bridges (using concrete mixes) have been implemented in China and Spain.
Small architectural forms:
Though 3DCP technology is most commonly interpreted as a revolutionary approach to building large-scale real estate & commercial projects, it has just as great potential in implementing various small architectural forms, such as fences, benches, garden sculptures, and flower pots. Today construction 3D printing technologies allow to create almost any kind of facility, which in enables to build “cities of the future”, changing public spaces like parks and recreation areas, city streets & infrastructure.
By product
Gantry system
Most widespread type of construction 3D printer due to structure simplicity, easiness in operation/maintenance and huge scope of printing compared to robotic systems. Designed according to the Cartesian coordinate system principle. Consists of a frame, three gantries (corresponding to the X, Y, Z axes) and an extruder printhead that moves exclusively along these axes. Can be used for both offsite (modular) and onsite (entire building) printing depending on the printer size.
Delta system:
Do not depend on three-dimensional guides: their extruder head is suspended on levers, which in turn are attached to three vertical stiffeners (that are guides as well). Able to make more complex movements and can be used to create more sophisticated, taller structures and geometric shapes. Yet are less popular due to poor build reliability and questionable print accuracy.
Robotic arm:
High-tech industrial manipulators that are equipped with extruders. They are usually positioned in the centre of the construction site, from where the arm delivers the mixture to the required area. Robotic arms are very “manipulative” and capable of constructing structures of arbitrary shape in any direction away from themselves, which is why they are becoming quite popular at the construction sites.
Advantages of 3DCP
1. Advantages of 3DCP
• Reduction in materials & overall site waste
• 50% less energy use than in traditional frame houses in USA • 22% CO2 reduction due to increased processes efficiency
• Development & application of advanced construction materials: green concrete (low-cement mixes); cement alternatives in mixes (expanded waste glass, fly ash etc.); locally available materials; and recycling of old buildings.
3. Costs optimization
• Less expenses for utilization & additional transportation due to 20%-30% waste reduction & more efficient material usage • Construction site optimization, reduction of storage area for materials & equipment
• 25%-50% reduction in labour costs & up to 50% reduction in material costs
• 25%-30% walls, columns & partitions cost reduction by eliminating expensive formwork & labour
2. Contribution to productivity growth
• Less hand labor involved (you will use 2 workers where before 10 were needed)
• Up to 20X faster home framing on average (ability to print 100 sq. m. house in 48 hours)
• Internal processes automatization (less transportation, lighter structures, efficient materials use, simplified production chain, no formwork required) • Increased variability of design and architectural forms while maintaining the price
4. Positive social impact
• Solving labour shortage problems (especially in countries where construction is highly dependent on migrated workers)
• Decreasing number of work-related injuries/fatalities
• Following 9 out 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Improves work quality to transform construction site into a modern workplace & raise the prestige of construction-related jobs.
Domex 3D: The Difference
Domex 3D is a unique player in the global construction industry, and it stands out from its competitors in 3D printing as it approaches construction projects with a full-cycle view of the entire process.
The company distinguishes itself through its use of analytical research and development, which ensures that each project is tailor-made to meet the needs and specifications of the clients.
It also leverages the latest advances in building information modeling (BIM) and design software, allowing customers to have a better understanding of the project they are investing in and ensuring they get exactly what they want for their buildings.
Furthermore, Domex 3D’s use of robotization and automation further ensures efficiency and precision in construction. By incorporating robotics technology and advanced software programs into the construction process, the company can complete projects faster, with greater accuracy and safety.
We also pride ourselves on the development of modern, sustainable materials for use in construction, a critical component in the pursuit of environmentally-conscious construction.
Domex3D actively practices ecological consciousness by employing energy-efficient and environment-friendly techniques throughout the construction process. Our commitment to the latest trends in the industry, such as net-zero energy and sustainable building practices, further underline our company’s dedication to environmentally responsible construction.
