3D Printing Foam Concrete: Investigating Production Techniques

In the recently published ‘Investigations on the foam concrete production techniques suitable for 3D printing with foam concrete,’ authors V. Markin, G. Sahmenko, V.N. Nerella, M. Nather, and V. Mechtcherine explore more about progressive materials for construction.

Concrete has been studied in many research labs and by manufacturers around the world as they strive to use construction materials more efficiently with new technologies like 3D printing.In this research, the authors studied foam concrete created with a mixed foaming method in turbulence, as well as a mixed foaming method created in a cavitation disintegrator.

With the addition of 3D printing, industrials users are now able to look forward to better efficiency in production as well as affordability. As the researchers remind us though, 3D printing within the construction industry is still ‘in the early stages.’Automation is now much more available with robotics, but with that comes new requirements for safety and compliance. Rheological requirements can be challenging too.