It
is interesting to see today what printing results universities and
printer manufacturers achieve.
The
results are an interplay between printer technology and material
technology. In my opinion today, very good results are achieved in
the design areas with the printers, but many problems still have to
be solved in professional architectural building construction.
There
are
Compressive
strength
The
standard concrete reaches its maximum compressive strength after 28
days. For the printing technology unacceptable, here must be helped
with accelerator. Printing speed and strength development must be
matched and optimized without loss of strength.
UHPC Ultra High Performance Concrete can be a solution. Strengths of over 200 MPa can be achieved here. Already during the UHPC binder production, we can adjust the strength development, as well as the flow characteristic. The addition of commercially available additives is no longer necessary.
UHPC Ultra High Performance Concrete can be a solution. Strengths of over 200 MPa can be achieved here. Already during the UHPC binder production, we can adjust the strength development, as well as the flow characteristic. The addition of commercially available additives is no longer necessary.
Print
speed
Of
course you want an optimum speed, you want to process a large amount
/ weight of concrete in a very short time. The concrete should be
able to support itself after a very short time and be load-bearing
for ceiling elements.
With UHPC materials, large amounts of material are already processed in a short time using the wet and dry spraying process. The consistency of the UHPC print material can be adapted to the printer characteristic. UHPC materials already develop high strength values in short time in the standard qualities. However, this time can be extremely reduced by changing material production.
With UHPC materials, large amounts of material are already processed in a short time using the wet and dry spraying process. The consistency of the UHPC print material can be adapted to the printer characteristic. UHPC materials already develop high strength values in short time in the standard qualities. However, this time can be extremely reduced by changing material production.
Statics
The
print heads are usually small in diameter and the applied wall
thicknesses compared to a masonry or a finished concrete wall are
very thin. Static load-bearing walls can be printed for several
floors, or double-skin walls must be printed in order to achieve a
structurally stable construction. Do I have to print double-shelled?
Heat
/ cold insulation
If
I print with a standard concrete I do not achieve any insulating
properties. So I have to print double-shelled and fill the cavity
with insulation material or retrofit an insulating layer from the
inside.
At the moment we are the only ones who are able to combine a high pressure resistant material with an insulating material. This combination material is also pumpable.
At the moment we are the only ones who are able to combine a high pressure resistant material with an insulating material. This combination material is also pumpable.
Steel
girders, reinforcements
Even
with 3D printing, you can not ignore reinforcements and support
structures, or you can remain eternally restricted to small, simple
and low-rise building constructions. How can I optimally combine
carrier structures, steel reinforcements with a single printing
process?
Last
but not least interesting design
So
far I have seen the obligatory pressure bulges on all prints. For the
beginning, this may be fine but soon you should have printing
technologies that ensures a sharp-edged pressure even on the wall
corners. A rework of the walls in the flat areas to get is cost and
time consuming. Of course, when I use the printing technology, I also
want to print exceptional geometry and thin-walled constructions.
I
have a note at the end
If
all my misgivings can be wiped out the question remains if I want to
print a large building, I need a fairly large printer technology
which is not even built and dismantled and I need a very fast
continuous flow of material to the printer when the printer should
work quickly.
I
do not want to know misunderstood. I think 3D printer technology is
very interesting for the future and I know that some engineering
companies are working on technical solutions. As part of our material
development, we also work on a flexible, extreme fast-curing,
high-compressive strength material for the printer producer. In close technical agreement with the respective printer manufacturer, we can adapt our UHPC materials to the requirements and provide test material to the printer manufacturer.
