The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has purchased a BOD2 concrete 3D printer from COBOD International to research and develop new manufacturing processes for the construction industry.
Malene Kirstine Holst, Laboratory Manager at DTU, explained, “We are very excited about this next chapter and looking forward to see[ing] the BOD2 printer installed in our facilities this week.”
“We have been prototyping with small 3D printers for years, and we are very excited about scaling up our 3D printing facilities at DTU and experimenting with new materials. We expect much of the BOD2, and are looking forward to the experiments and developments in materials, complex geometries, and construction methods.”
Large-scale concrete 3D printing
The BOD2 3D printer, reportedly the largest construction 3D printer in the world, is a gantry system with several modules. DTU purchased the 5-4-2 systems of modules. Each module is 2.5 meters in length and a print area of 12 by 10 by 4 meters. Upon supplying a BOD2 3D printer, COBOD is also training a team at DTU, who will ultimately train students to operate the printer with less to no supervision.
Earlier this year, Belgian sustainable building company Kamp C purchased a BOD2 3D printer for a €1.6 million project 3D printing infrastructure for the city of Flanders. According to COBOD, five days after delivering and providing training on the system to Kamp C, the company was able to operate and control the BOD2 independently.
“The printer has been built within the set timeframe and has been tested and accepted by DTU themselves,” said Henrik Lund-Nielsen, CEO of COBOD. Jakob Jørgensen, Head of Technology at COBOD.
“The collaboration between academia and manufacturers is a key step for the technology and construction processes to be developed even further, so we are really looking forward to our collaboration with DTU.”
Construction 3D printing in the United Arab Emirates
Furthermore, this year, COBOD sold a BOD2 to Saudi Arabian construction company Elite for Construction & Development Co, in an effort to improve the country’s economy and housing.
Also, COBOD signed a distribution agreement with 3DVinci Creations, a Dubai-based 3D printing service bureau. The country has set the target that by 2030 25% of the new buildings in the United Arab Emirates will be 3D printed.
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Featured image shows the BOD2 3D printer in testing facilities. Photo via COBOD.