Construction 3D printing is a relatively new discipline, and we made a list of the current players.
This niche of 3D printing relates to the process of 3D printing major structural components for buildings — typically walls, floors and foundations. Contrary to what might be said by some less knowing publications, these companies cannot produce a livable house in 24 hours. In fact the devices made by these companies simply extrude concrete or other construction material to produce the larger portions of the structure. The remainder of the project, including HVAC, plumbing, finishing, flooring, etc., must all be done in traditional ways.
That said, the prospects for 3D printed construction projects are growing. With a new ability to build unusual shapes in rapid time, the technology could be adopted by an increasing number of construction firms in the future.
Multiple companies are positioning their equipment to ready for that demand, and several have already faded away. It’s still anyone’s game, and we can’t really declare anyone the winner at this point.
As of this writing, this is a list of the construction 3D printer companies we’re aware of, in alpha order.
Apis Cor
Website:https://www.apis-cor.com/
Location: Boston
Approach: Repositionable robotic concrete extrusion on rotating platform.
Notes: Has been working with clients in Dubai to produce larger structures.
Background story at Fabbaloo
Branch Technology
Website: https://www.branch.technology/
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Approach: Six-axis robotic systems produce components, such as facades, at a central factory for shipping to sites.
Background story at Fabbaloo
COBOD
Website: https://cobod.com/
Location: Copenhagen
Approach: Gantry system rapidly extrudes concrete to form walls and foundations at a building site.
Background story at Fabbaloo
CyBe Construction
Website: https://cybe.eu/
Location: Oss, The Netherlands
Approach: Concrete extrusion toolhead mounted on industrial robot, on top of movable work platform.
Background story at Fabbaloo
ICON
Website: https://www.iconbuild.com/
Location: Austin, TX
Approach: The Vulcan construction 3D printer is a gantry system that has adjustable dimensions for concrete extrusion.
Background story at Fabbaloo
MX3D
Website: https://mx3d.com/
Location: Amsterdam
Approach: Wire additive metal manufacturing toolhead attached to industrial robot; metal structures produced, such as an entire pedestrian bridge.
Background story at Fabbaloo
PRVOK
Website: https://www.prvokodburinky.cz/en/
Location: Czechia
Approach: Concrete extrusion via robotic arm.
Background story at Fabbaloo
S-Squared
Website: https://www.sq4d.com/printyourfuture/
Location: Long Island, NY
Approach: Gantry system enabling concrete extrusion.
Background story at Fabbaloo
Twente Additive Manufacturing
Website: https://www.twente-am.com/
Location: Enschede, Netherlands
Approach: Building a 9-axis large-scale concrete extrusion system.
Background story at Fabbaloo
WASP
Website: https://www.3dwasp.com/
Location: Lombardy, Italy
Approach: The Delta WASP 3MT CONCRETE is an enclosed unit that can fabricate concrete components.
Background story at Fabbaloo
WinSun
Website: http://www.winsun3d.com/En/
Location: Shanghai
Approach: A specialized 3D printer performs concrete extrusion.
There are likely a few more players we haven’t yet encountered, and there are some that have since disappeared, like D-Shape. Another player to watch in this space is Autodesk, who have recently invested in construction software, as well as Royal HaskoningDHV, which is working with DSM on a 3D printed footbridge.
More than likely this list will change as things play out, and we’ll probably be updating it in the future.
