A 3D crane lifts parts on a construction site.

3D printer for concrete

lubrication-free solution for dusty environments

Constructions-3D is a French manufacturer of 3D mortar/concrete printers for the construction industry. Since 2017, the manufacturer has been developing machines that automatically produce furniture, building structures and more using 3D concrete printing. In the dusty environment, the lubrication-free and durable products from igus® are an optimal solution.

Profile

What was needed: Adjustable bearing, linear axis with toothed belt drive, stepper motor
Requirements: The use of cement creates a high dust load that the products must be able to withstand. Furthermore, the longest possible service life and fast maintenance are required.
Industry: Construction machinery, furniture construction
Success for the customer: Our bearing solutions and lubrication-free toothed belt axles ensure a long service life despite dirt loads.

More application examples

A 3D printer builds a large curved wall at an outdoor construction site.

Products used

Cut-out drylin ZLW linear actuator with belt drive.

toothed belt axis ZLW-1660

WJ200UMA guide carriage from the igus drylin W series with an aluminum housing.

Servo motor with shaft and two connectors.

Stepper motor with connector, encoder and brake

Problem

We are located in the Citadelle des Savoir-Faire in Bruay-sur-l'Escaut in Hauts-de-France. Here, the company Constructions-3D manufactures various types of 3D printers that use concrete and mortar to produce not only furniture but also complete building structures.

Constructions-3D needed a robust linear axis for the 3D printing machines. This is because the use of concrete and mortar as a building material creates a dusty environment that requires products that can cope with this particular requirement. Simple maintenance and a long service life for the realisation of construction projects are also a high priority for the customer.

Solution

Thanks to the absence of lubricants, the igus® toothed belt axes offer a solution that works reliably even in dusty environments.

In order to test their use on the 3D concrete printer, a prototype was created beforehand, which convinced the customer. The adjustable bearing makes it possible to adjust the tolerances during assembly. This saves Constructions-3D valuable time during assembly and maintenance.

The costs of the products were also convincing and enabled a saving of €1700 through the use of igus® products.

Impressions

A 3D printing robot forms a large concrete structure on a construction site, with several onlookers and machines.

A 3D printing robot builds a wall panel on a construction site beside a tent with seating.

Hands hold plant-fibre mulch in a black 3D-printed form by Constructions-3D.

Interior with an egg-shaped chair, 3D-printed wall, and brochure stand by the window.

igus linear guide system in a machine cell with cables and an energy chain.

Industrial robot with energy chain in a protected enclosure.

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