In the field of additive manufacturing, 3D printing with concrete is one of the special fields, but compared with traditional methods, it still has the advantages of optimizing the use of materials and reducing costs. However, 3D printing mixtures need to show consistent fluidity and low viscosity in order to avoid the occurrence of "sagging" phenomenon, thus losing shape stability and dimensional accuracy. A team of researchers at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands has configured a new calcined clay-based cement to improve the accuracy of 3D printing.
Two different grades of low calcined clay This study involves testing two different grades of calcined clay, a high grade (95% metakaolin content) and a low grade (50% metakaolin content). The two grades of clay were mixed in different proportions and printed using custom extrusion equipment set up in a university laboratory. & nbsp; & nbsp;
Custom 3D printing unit in the lab & nbsp; & nbsp; The research team found that increasing the high grade content from 0wt% to 50wt% maximizes the flow consistency while increasing the dimensional stability of the mixture. The researchers attribute the improved malleability to a reduction in the average inter-particle distance due to the higher calcined clay content. While it is true that this phenomenon does not come at a low cost, the new technology can fine-tune the formulation to maximize printability without sacrificing strength. & nbsp; & nbsp;
New technologies have dramatically improved the printability of 3D printing & nbsp; & nbsp; Not only in academia, 3D concrete structures are also playing an important role in many fields. Recently, ICON, a Texas-based construction company, worked with the U.S. Defense Innovation Department to build a 3D printed concrete structure at Pendle Marine Corps Base. A crew of eight Marines was initially trained to successfully print the entire vehicle's leather structure in 36 hours using ICON's concrete 3D printer.
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