Building 3D printer. New technology of building houses

Communication of the construction industry with computer technology is formed over the years and nowadays the benefits from it are obvious to specialists of different directions. Mainly, virtual modeling tools are used, which allow the development of architectural and design projects with high accuracy. But this does not limit the potential of new technologies. Not so long ago, the popularization of printers with three-dimensional printing began, which work on the basis of the same design solutions with virtual components. Continuation of the concept was a building 3D printer. In Russia, this idea is mastered by Andrei Rudenko, offering a quick way of erecting walls and some engineering structures. Also, similar technologies are developing in China, Holland and the United States.

General technological process

In general, the process repeats traditional construction. Work also begins with the development of a general concept of the building, drafting a solution and selecting materials. The initial stages of construction can also include the use of computer modeling - in any case, direct installation activities will involve the power of computers.

Next, a concrete mixture is formed, on the basis of which the walls will be laid out. Actually, the first models of building printers could perform only monosyllabic tasks for laying wall structures. In modern devices, it is envisaged not only to be able to arrange different structures, but also to supplement the construction stages with insulating and facing works. Of course, the construction of full-fledged completed facilities is still not going on, however, equipment manufacturers are keen on the idea of construction, not involving post-processing.

Construction engineering

Technologically, this method is similar to that of conventional printers for 3D printing. Only in the traditional version it is supposed to form small objects of special sizes based on plastics and polymers. In the case of construction vehicles, there are two principal differences. First, it's the size of the printer. Depending on the version and features of the technological process, it can match the dimensions of both the truck crane and a small truck. Secondly, the building 3D printer uses as a working mass a concrete solution. The mixture is also fed through a special extruder that operates in an automatic mode.

The high accuracy of operations, by the way, is determined precisely by the precise positioning of the printer head. Thus, it is possible to lay foundation, walls, floors, staircases and other structures. Depending on the printer model, small openings, engineering holes and communication niches can be made. In some cases, a building 3D printer allows creating special holes for the further introduction of reinforcing bars.

Features of Chinese 3D construction

Chinese developers are pioneers in this direction of construction. They created a technology, according to which you can build a house in a day. Another thing is that the structure will be budgetary and with inherent disadvantages of this category of cheap housing. As a basis for the building mass in this case, not only the concrete mixture, but also environmentally friendly industrial waste is used. This decision is due to the desire to reduce the cost of the process.

In addition, 3 D-construction of Chinese technology provides for the inclusion of the bulk of the mass of fiberglass. This significantly improves the quality of the result, since lightweight composite reinforcement not only benefits from traditional metal for a number of strength characteristics and weight, but also simplifies the installation process. And in the case of the printer, chopped fiberglass is used in the mass itself, which relieves the design of the drawbacks arising from the introduction of metal reinforcement into the finished openings.

Dutch technology

Dutch engineers are exploring several other areas for promoting the concept of a building printer. They are not oriented to laying mixtures as such, but to making building materials and structures. Quite successful was the production of ceramic bricks, which is produced through an extruder from the mass of the cinder block.

The low cost of raw materials and the minimum cost of fabrication itself makes this technology financially justified. But the process of building houses was not ignored. The fact is that a 3D printer for building houses produces blocks with a conical shape, which eliminates the need for workers to use binder mixtures. Also, some companies master the skeleton construction of buildings. In this case, the printer prints full-fledged mounting panels, from which further home kits are formed.

Serial production of printers

While the creators of building printers do not dare to fully represent their products on the market. Although such attempts, of course, there are. It is enough to note the BetAbram model and domestic developments of the company "SpetsAvia". In this case, the devices available to a wide range of consumers can be divided into two classes. This is a large-sized 3D construction printer, which has practically no restrictions on the construction of typical buildings in terms of dimensions, as well as small devices that are part of the rail systems. The second option is more accessible in terms of finance and allows you to change the design, depending on the requirements for construction tasks.

Additional option

The construction process in the classical sense provides for the implementation of a variety of operations. This is not only the laying of walls, the installation of partitions and the installation of a structure under the roof, but also facing works, laying of communications and arrangement of openings. Almost in all modern versions of 3D printer for building houses allows you to lay a concrete mix. However, for other operations, manufacturers provide auxiliary devices. For example, for mounting activities on the same roof, a hydraulic lift is offered, and high-pressure sink can be used in finishing work.

It is envisaged in some versions and improvement of basic equipment capabilities. For example, a solution stirrer eliminates the need for the user to prepare a concrete mix. It can create an optimal mass with the characteristics that the technology provides. Building houses using a printer also requires special power supply. For the organization of this part, the developers offer introductory wiring and power cabinets.

Advantages of building printers

Construction on new technology is advisable to use only in some areas. In particular, high quality is noted when laying monolithic structures. The creation of a foundation base, for example, significantly exceeds the traditional techniques in terms of speed and performance. Some developments relate specifically to the replacement of vibrocompression concrete mass, as the automation of construction in the form of an exact layer-by-layer formation of the screed excludes the formation of air voids. By and large, such printers increase the speed of the process and optimize logistics operations, which attract large companies.

Disadvantages of building printers

Even in modern versions, construction printing equipment is not capable of providing a full cycle of assembly and repair operations. Despite the desire of producers and technologists to bring the reality of excluding the need for post-construction closer, this idea is still very far. In addition, practice shows that in the current form, technology (construction of houses by 3D printing) loses to skilled manual labor. Implementation of the screed is performed at least qualitatively by an experienced team of builders. This applies to the traditional masonry of the walls. However, the speed of operations and accuracy still benefits the printer.

Price issue

One of the main factors that constrains the spread of such technology is cost. And yet in the specialized areas there is considerable demand for a building 3D printer. The price of the entry-level serial equipment is about 700-800 thousand rubles. For this amount, you can rely on a limited functionality, which, nevertheless, enough for high-quality implementation of concrete coatings, the creation of walls and foundations. Complex technological operations such devices do not pull.

Units that are able to erect a completely skeleton base of houses are very popular, but also are not cheap. As a rule, this is a massive 3D construction printer, whose price is on average 2-3 million. At the same time, one should take into account that materials in the form of working mixtures will require special ones - also at rather high prices.

Conclusion

With all the shortcomings, experts note the promise of this direction of construction technologies. At this stage, it is too early to talk about the economic feasibility of introducing such developments to the market with the expectation of commercial success. And it's not just that the building 3D printer is expensive, and its best qualities are shown only in individual works. As a rule, the capabilities of such equipment are not competitive when compared with traditional manual power. The only obvious advantage, justifying the use of this technique, is the high speed of construction. But, again, this sphere develops only a few years, and it is possible that in the near future developers will make a new step in promoting the construction press.