Towards Smart Construction: Development of An Automated Small Scale 3D Concrete Printer

Abstract

The 3D Printing technology, also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM), has created significant global attention for its transformative impact on the construction industry through automation. The 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technique remains underutilized in Sri Lanka. This research aimed to accelerate the adoption of 3DCP in the country. It examined the development process of a small-scale 3D Concrete Printer, covering various aspects such as electrical circuit design, software selection, firmware configuration and integration, and the selection and proper integration of each component, including stepper motors, their respective drives, the actuation system, and the final testing results. This research outlined the creation of small-scale 3D Concrete Printer of 1m*1m*1m in size capable of printing ready-mix concrete mixtures through a specially designed nozzle with a unique concrete conveying arrangement. Controlling the movement of the nozzle was achieved by implementing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) techniques. In addition, the design advocated for improved research and development efforts aimed at accelerating the widespread adoption of 3D Printing (3DP) technology within the Automation Engineering industry of Sri Lanka. This emphasis highlights the integration of advanced three-dimensional computer design technology, innovative rapid prototyping techniques, and its ability to fabricate concrete structures with unparalleled precision, efficiency, and sustainability. This layer-by-layer approach of AM enabled the precise creation of intricate and highly detailed geometric concrete structures, revolutionizing traditional engineering methods and offering enhanced safety, improved cost efficiency, and significantly accelerated construction timelines.