3D printing in construction is an upcoming new way of building that through robotic automation allows for the reduction of material usage, the reduction of waste, the increase of process efficiency and safety, while ensuring enhanced design freedom.
3D printing is part of Heidelberg Materials’ sustainability strategy to create innovative products and processes to reduce and reuse materials and build a more sustainable future. Further, our 3D printing products are fully recyclable.
3D printing in construction
How does 3D concrete printing work and what is it used for?
3D printing is a methodology that requires the sequential layering of material, starting from a digital model, in order to create tridimensional shapes. The specific advantage is that it allows the direct transfer from a 3D digital model to the final building without intermediate steps of 2D drawings/plans (Design to Print – DTP). In construction, the 3D printing technology is mainly used to build:
- Multi-floor buildings
- Structural components or other pre-fabricated elements (e.g. foundation pads, walls, connections, utility service cabins, tiny houses, bus stops, flood protection barriers, etc.)
- Urban furniture or other decorative objects (benches, vases, decorative panels, etc.)
3D printed house in Beckum, Germany
The benefits to you
- Cement content in our products is very low
- Our 3D printing products are 100% recyclable, like concrete
- Our formulations contain recycled materials and by-products, thereby reducing the use of virgin raw materials
- 3D printing allows for reduction of material use (proven up to 75% depending on the design)
- Traditional waste associated to traditional concrete construction are eliminated through 3D printing (no-formwork, no process waste, automation ensures accurate application)
Quicker construction
Simultaneous construction phases resulting in potential time saving of 60-70%
Reduction of labor cost, ...
… but increase in talent attractiveness; digital job sites highly attractive for younger generations
Improved safety
Fewer tools needed on site, reduced noise and dust
Versatile, reliable, and strong
Performance tailored to achieve strength of structural concrete, robust in different environments and available locally
Design freedom
High degree of freedom in designing construction elements
Local support, global expertise
We have a global network of experts who are available on site.
evoBuild®
With evoBuild®, we are setting new standards for building materials.
It is our sustainability brand for low-carbon and circular products. The evoBuild® products are currently available in three variants, each specifically designed for low-carbon, circular and 3D-printing application.
Further information on 3D concrete printing
You can find further information on the topic of 3D concrete printing on the following local pages:
- Hightech-Material für den 3D-Betondruck (in German)
- La tecnologia 3D Printing per le case del futuro (in Italian)
