Gigantic 3D Printer Builds 120 sqm House in Just 48 Hours

A colossal 3D printer, hailed as the “Ferrari” of concrete printing, is set to redefine the construction industry by enabling the creation of a 120-square-meter house in a mere 48 hours. This technological marvel, developed by Danish company Cobod and brought to Argentina by startup Grondplek, dramatically accelerates the building process, making traditional methods appear antiquated.

Revolutionizing Construction Speed

The advanced printer constructs the basic structure of a house, including walls, stairs, and countertops, in just two days. This automated process replaces weeks of manual labor, significantly cutting down project timelines. While the machine builds the core structure, finishing touches, electrical installations, and plumbing still require human intervention. However, by completing the structural phase so rapidly, the finishing teams can commence their work much sooner.

Innovative Technology and Materials

The printer operates by extruding a specialized concrete mix layer by layer. This mixture consists of conventional concrete combined with approximately 2% of readily available additives, such as plasticizers and accelerators, which are adjusted based on ambient temperature and machine conditions. The system includes a compact mixing plant connected to a pump and a unique hose that feeds the printing head. This precise extrusion process minimizes material waste, as the machine only uses the exact amount of concrete needed for each layer.

Structural Integrity and Efficiency

Contrary to potential perceptions of fragility, the houses built with this technology are designed for robustness. Mateo Salvatto, co-founder of Grondplek, emphasizes that the structures are earthquake-resistant and feature double walls with an air chamber, providing superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency. The ability to create curved and counter-curved designs optimizes space utilization. The printing process involves creating double walls with an air gap between them, enhancing insulation and structural strength.

Datos clave
| Feature | Detail |
|—|—|
| House Size | 120 square meters |
| Construction Time | 48 hours for basic structure |
| Material | Specialized concrete mix with additives |
| Key Benefits | Reduced build time, lower cost, minimal waste, energy efficiency |

Scalable and Sustainable Future

The technology has advanced beyond experimental phases, with successful applications seen globally, including a Starbucks store in Texas and a train station in Japan. Entire condominium complexes are now being built using this method in the United States, demonstrating its commercial viability. This innovation is not intended to replace construction workers but rather to evolve their roles, shifting focus from heavy manual labor to machine operation, supervision, and finishing tasks. The “portable concrete prefabrication factory,” as Salvatto describes it, can be deployed almost anywhere, requiring only a leveled surface to begin printing.

Fuente: Clarin Deportes https://www.clarin.com/estados-unidos/impresora-gigante-3d-apodada-ferrari-hormigon-puede-construir-casa-120-metros-cuadrados-48-horas-haciendo-obra-tradicional-parezca-siglo-pasado-maquina-moldea-capa-capa-solo-desperdicia-material-necesario-etapa_0_sFu66SHcsd.html

Datos clave