In the main hall of the research and robotics Arch Tec laboratory in the H ö nggerberg campus, some robotic arms are suspended from the ceiling. At the same time, the ground is scattered with semi-finished building components that appear beige and curved in shape, reminiscent of sand sculptures. On one side of the room, you can see some peculiar components extending from the wooden box. We are exploring how to use 3D printing technology to produce lightweight and insulated building components to reduce the use of building materials and carbon emissions.
The mineral foam we use is an innovative building material that helps to create a more climate-friendly industry. This foam is mainly made of fly ash, which is a waste product of industrial blast furnaces. This material has gone through the first material cycle and can be easily recycled after use.
By using 3D printing technology, we can reduce material waste and CO2 emissions. In the traditional process of pouring materials, templates are required, and the production of templates is time-consuming and resource-intensive and can only be partially reused afterward. By contrast, our 3D printing process no longer requires templates, significantly reducing material waste and carbon emissions.
In the robot laboratory, we used a unique 3D printing method. The entire room can be viewed as a giant 3D printer, ensuring the correct mixing of raw materials through a flexible mixing room. The end of the robotic arm suspended on the roof is equipped with a printer head, which can print materials layer by layer onto the printing bed.
In the preliminary experiment, we used concrete to fix customized building components. Subsequently, we successfully printed solid building components using only mineral foam, as shown in the prototype of the Aircomponent project: a two-meter-high integral corner column assembled by four 3D printing components. These four individual components are glued together with mortar and then sprayed to make their appearance more aesthetically pleasing.
Our research demonstrates the sustainability of using 3D printing technology to produce lightweight, insulated building components. Through the innovative use of recycled materials such as mineral foam and the use of advanced 3D printing technology, we can reduce the use of building materials and carbon emissions and promote the development of the construction industry in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly direction. The metal powder 3D printing construction technology is currently in a rapid development stage and is expected to make breakthroughs in the field of construction in the future. It has the characteristic of high automation, closely integrating the design, manufacturing, construction, and other links in the building process, achieving automation and intelligence of the entire building process, reducing reliance on manual labor and the possibility of errors. Overall, 3D printing powder has a wide range of applications in the construction industry, which can bring many conveniences and innovations. Along with the continuous development of 3D printing technology, its application prospects will be even broader.
The application of 3D printing powder in construction
3D printing of building models: 3D printing powder can be used to print building models, which can be used for building design, construction, display, and other aspects. The application of this technology can significantly enhance design efficiency, reduce production costs, and also quickly modify the design according to actual needs.
Building component manufacturing: 3D printing powder can be used to print some complex components in buildings, such as stairs, irregular walls, domes, etc. These components may require a lot of time and workforce to complete in traditional building methods, but through 3D printing technology, they can be quickly and accurately produced.
Building restoration and protection: 3D printing powder can also be used for the restoration and protection of ancient buildings. Through 3D scanning and printing technology, the original components of old buildings can be replicated, and replacement parts that are consistent with the style of ancient buildings can also be made to achieve the restoration and protection of ancient structures.
Architectural design teaching: 3D printing powder can also be used for architectural design teaching. By enabling students to use 3D printing technology, they can gain a deeper understanding of architectural design and structure, improving their design and practical skills.
Supplier
Luoyang Tongrun Nanotechnology Co, Ltd., as a global chemical material purveyor and manufacturer with over 12 years of experience, is highly trusted for providing high-quality chemicals and nanomaterials such as graphite powder, zinc sulfide, nitride powder, calcium nitride, Ca3N2, 3D printing powder, concrete foaming agent, etc.
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