A new startup company hopes to assist 3DCP companies by generating concrete formulations.
Material is king in FFF 3D printing — or really any kind of 3D printing. However, in the construction 3D printing world there hasn’t been a lot of variation.
To date we typically see companies concoct a single formulation that they use in their systems. In some cases we find formulations based on local materials — like clay.
The reason for this is that 3DCP is a technology with a paradox: the material must be sufficiently liquid to easily pump through the system to the toolhead without clogging — but also be sufficiently rigid to not immediately slump after extrusion. The 3DCP company formulations attempt to balance these factors, and that’s largely why they typically offer only one material: because it works.
In the construction industry, however, the formulation of concrete is a very important factor. Different mixes produce different engineering results, and engineers must select the right mix for the job. A structure that must support a heavy load, for example, might deserve a stronger mix.
Enter Cemforge, a new company that has technology to devise concrete formulations specifically for 3D printing with 3DCP technology. As far as I can tell, this is the first company to provide this type of service.
They don’t say much about how their system works, aside from the fact that it uses an “adaptive AI engine”, and is physics-based. They say it can provide:
- Precision and control
- Extreme shape support
- Optimal material performance
- Enhanced construction capabilities
They write:
“Our technology combines the power of artificial intelligence with the precision of physics to create 3D-printable concrete mixes that deliver unprecedented performance.”
The service is targeted at architects, 3DCP operators, equipment manufacturers and others. It’s offered via monthly subscription starting at US$40/month. A US$400 subscription provides more material options and pricing analyses.
I can’t tell you whether this service is good or bad, as I’m not a 3DCP operator. What I can say, however, is that this is another step towards the maturity of the 3DCP industry: we now have AI-powered third party material options.
Via Cemforge
