3D Printing Technology Has Confirmed its Functionality

In 2023, we completed work on a comprehensive ecosystem capable of carrying out complex construction using 3D concrete printing. Our ICE Coral printer can be operated by a single construction operator, without the need for automation specialists or programmers to be present.

In 2023, among the successes of our development of the 3D concrete printer was the development of a height-adjustable robot that enabled the printing of walls and objects up to three metres high. Additionally, we increased the efficiency of the print head and, for example, the ability to smooth surfaces, which saves up to 15% of printing material. The smooth surface of the walls allows for the application of further surface treatments, thus saving up to 30% of the material used for surface sprays. Another significant achievement is the acceleration of the printing speed to 600 mm per second.

During the development and testing of our prints, we created a variety of implementations to verify the technological properties. For the airbase in Čáslav, we installed test samples of protective structures from the MoDeSty (Modular Defense System) product line. Building under the real conditions of a military base allowed us to test the assembly of modules in field conditions directly by soldiers.

In a civilian environment, we tested 3D printing directly on a construction site, and on the fourth floor of a Skanska building, we printed a test facility for a residential terrace.

We then fully verified the potential of the printer in the fall, when a prototype house was built in Žďár nad Sázavou. This house is a real demonstration of the advantages of 3D printing. Its walls integrate individual technical installations and the equipment of the house's interior itself.

Mobile Printing Station:  

• Robot on a tracked chassis 
• Station for mixing and dosing additives 
• Concrete pump C8 
• Construction container with technical facilities 
• Mobile power distributor 

Stationary Printing Station:

• Robot  
• Laser-scanner safety fencing 

Software:  

• Slicer  
• Cloud application for print management and planning  
• DatICE Coral – software for data analysis

Development:  

• Patented print head  
• Proprietary print material formula 
• Continuous reinforcement of prints with steel wire  during printing  
• Rotating print nozzle for additional surface smoothing

 R&D Projects:  

• Fortifications for the Čáslav airbase 
• Facilities for the residential terrace of the Modřanský cukrovar residential house in collaboration with Skanska  
• Prototype house in Žďár nad Sázavou