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 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.)

1. Material Loading: Our material is loaded in the storage container (e.g. silos)

2. Mixing: Our product is mixed with water, in the horizontal chamber, for few seconds; the water content we recommend is reported on our technical data sheet;

3. Pumping: A progressing cavity pump typically pushes the material in the hose;

4. Transportation: A hose, typically 5-40 m long (diameter 25- 50 mm), transports the material to the printing head;

5. Printing: The structure is printed following a pre-defined printing path; the printer can also be controlled remotely; different types of printers can be used (e.g. robotic arms, gantry systems or cranes).