Who's Who? In the 3D Printing Industry

Skanska, Foster + Partners team up on development of first commercial 3D concrete printing robot

© Loughborough University

Global construction company Skanska is teaming up with Foster + Partners and the engineers at Loughborough University (LU) to create the world’s first commercial 3D concrete printing robot. The company has signed an agreement with LU, who has been working on the project since 2007, to partake in an 18-month initiative with a consortium of partners focused on developing a robot capable of printing complex structural components with concrete.

A video about LU’s research on 3D concrete printing and Foster + Partner’s involvement, after the break.

Loughborough University has been working on the project since 2007.

Photo: courtesy Loughborough University

Skanska, Foster + Partners, and engineers at Loughborough University (LU) are working together to create the first commercial 3D concrete printing robot. 

LU has been working on the project since 2007, but the new partnership is recent, according to ArchDaily. Skanska will participate in an 18-month program with a consortium of partners to develop a robot capable of printing complex structural components with concrete. Robotics firm ABB and aggregates suppliers Buchan Concrete and Lafarge Tarmac will be a part of the consortium, as well.

“3D concrete printing, when combined with a type of mobile prefabrication center, has the potential to reduce the time needed to create complex elements of buildings from weeks to hours,” stated Skanska Director Rob Francis. “We expect to achieve a level of quality and efficiency which has never been seen before in construction.”

Check out this video about LU's 3D printing research: 

Other Companies using 3D Printing

Defining Place: Alternative Urban Futures from The Neighbourhood

Courtesy of The Neighbourhood

3D printing technology is quickly emerging as a technology that could be applied at the scale of the built environment. But could we use 3D printed materials to create engaging urban spaces that are constantly changing? Creative communications agency, The Neighbourhood, has imagined speculative architecture based on 3D printed materials.

Emerging Objects Invents Earthquake-Proof 3D Printed Column

Courtesy of Emerging Objects

A team of California-based designers have invented an earthquake-proof column built of 3D printed sand, assembled without bricks and mortar to withstand the harshest seismic activity. The ‘Quake Column‘ is comprised of a pre-determined formation of stackable hollow bricks which combine to create a twisting structure, optimized for intense vibrations in zones of earthquake activity. Created by design firm Emerging Objects, the column’s sand-based composition is one of many in a series of experimental structures devised by the team using new materials for 3D Printing, including salt, nylon, and chocolate. The column can be easily assembled and disassembled for use in temporary and permanent structures, and was designed purposefully with a simple assembly procedure for novice builders.
Find out how the Quake Column works after the break

For more information see links below:

http://www.archdaily.com/572156/skanska-and-foster-partners-collaborate-on-world-s-first-3d-concrete-printing-robot/