PERI GmbH has set about printing another residential building using a 3D construction printer, this time in Wallenhausen, Bavaria.
Upon completion, the 5-in-a-block apartment building with around 380 square metres of living space will be the largest printed residential building in Europe. On this project, the printing process is expected to take six weeks.
“With the project in Wallenhausen, we are seeing the PERI 3D construction printing team take the next important step. At the same time, PERI is consolidating its position as a leading company in the field of 3D construction printing,” says Thomas Imbacher, Managing Director Marketing & Innovation at PERI Group. “By printing the first apartment building in Germany, we are demonstrating that this new construction technology can also be used to print large-scale dwelling units. In terms of 3D construction printing, we are opening up additional areas of application on an entirely new level.”
Original Article: PERI first to building 3D-Printed high rise
cnstrctr Insight
We all knew this day was coming didn’t we? When the machines finally take over?
Truth be told this technology fascinates me. The way we build is due for a significant reinvention, and although things like automated documentation control and simplifying closeout are great – they are far from the innovations we truly need.
3D printing has already revolutionized other industries. As it becomes more mainstream it is being used in other industries. Myself, personally I have always wondered how it could practically be used in construction. We have such massive sites that it’s difficult to understand how it could be implemented on a large scale.
PERI seems to have overcome that challenge with their printing system on this project. The printing gun is hooked up to essentially a gantry crane which is supported off of four pillars. The system acts just like a climber system on the side of a building with the gantry allowing it to move to any position horizontally on the building.
This allows for concrete to be placed anywhere and for the gun head to move as needed.
But will it work?
The concept and implementation of this by PERI, seem to be the smartest yet. They’ve essentially supersized the 3D printer to a construction site size. What remains to be seen is how durable this solution is.
The construction site is an incredible dirty space. This system, while it is elegant has been installed in a very controlled site (don’t believe me just look at the photos). In most sites there is equipment, and dust and lots of people. It will be fascinating to see how this system evolves over time to accommodate those realities.
Still needs people.
As you can see from the youtube videos – the system still requires people to install sleeving and other mechanical and electrical components. I suspect this may always be the case but it will be interesting to see how those types of items could be incorporated in the future.
Regardless of my negative comments, this is an impressive and relatively practical application / demonstration of the technology. I will be closely watching this space to see how it continues to evolve over time.
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