1. Small-Scale 3D Printing for Research & Prototyping
At the Centre of Excellence for Advanced 3D Concrete Printing, we utilize a range of 3D printing technologies to support research, prototyping, and innovation in construction automation. One of our key tools for rapid prototyping is the Creality Ender 3 (PLA Filament 3D Printer).
Specifications & Features:
- Printing Technology: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Materials Supported: PLA, TPU, and ABS (with modifications)
- Precision: Layer resolution of 0.1 – 0.4 mm
- Applications: Small-scale models, testing enclosures for electronic sensors, and proof-of-concept designs
Applications in 3D Concrete Printing Research
The Ender 3 plays a vital role in our research and development process. Before scaling up to full-scale concrete structures, we:
- Prototype design iterations in PLA before concrete printing
- Validate sensor placements in Smart Safety Helmet research
- Develop scaled-down versions of 3D concrete-printed structures
2. Small-Scale 3D Concrete Printer (1.5m x 1m x 1m) – Centre of Excellence for Advanced 3D Concrete Printing
The 1.5m x 1m x 1m Small-Scale 3D Concrete Printer at the Centre of Excellence for Advanced 3D Concrete Printing, PCCoE, Pune, is a precision-driven gantry-based system designed for research, prototyping, and small-scale structural experimentation.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Printing Volume: 1.5m (L) × 1m (W) × 1m (H)
- Printing Mechanism: Gantry-based extrusion system
- Material Compatibility: Specially formulated cementitious and geopolymer-based concrete mixes
- Nozzle System: Adjustable nozzle for controlled layer deposition
- Layer Thickness: 5mm – 20mm (adjustable)
- Extrusion Speed: Variable, optimized for different mix viscosities
- Control System: CNC/robotic system with G-code-based automation
- Power Requirements: Standard 220V AC, 50Hz
Applications in Research & Development:
Prototype Testing – Scaled-down models before full-scale concrete printing
Material Experimentation – Testing sustainable and alternative cementitious materials
Component Fabrication – Printing architectural elements, facades, and experimental structures
Sensor & Automation Integration – Developing Smart Safety Helmet enclosures and embedded IoT applications
This printer serves as a bridge between desktop 3D printing (PLA-based) and full-scale concrete printing, allowing for optimized designs and cost-effective material testing before executing large-scale projects.
3. Large-Scale 3D Concrete Printer (5m x 5m x 5m) – Centre of Excellence for Advanced 3D Concrete Printing
The 5m x 5m x 5m Large-Scale 3D Concrete Printer at the Centre of Excellence for Advanced 3D Concrete Printing, PCCoE, Pune, is a state-of-the-art gantry-based additive manufacturing system designed for printing full-scale civil engineering structures with precision and efficiency.
Key Features & Specifications:
- Printing Volume: 5m (L) × 5m (W) × 5m (H)
- Printing Mechanism: Gantry-based robotic extrusion system
- Material Compatibility: High-performance cementitious and geopolymer concrete mixes
- Nozzle System: Custom-designed extruder with automated flow control
- Layer Thickness: 10mm – 50mm (adjustable based on structure and mix design)
- Extrusion Speed: Variable, optimized for different concrete rheologies
- Control System: CNC-controlled automation with real-time monitoring
- Power Requirements: Three-phase 440V AC
Applications in Construction & Research:
- Full-Scale Structural Printing – Walls, beams, columns, and architectural components
- Sustainable Housing Solutions – Development of cost-effective affordable homes
- Automation in Construction – Reducing manual labor and enhancing precision
- Integration with Smart Technologies – Embedding sensors, IoT, and smart safety features
- Material & Structural Testing – Optimizing concrete mix designs for durability and sustainability
This printer plays a crucial role in the "Development of 3D Concrete Printed Full-Scale Civil Engineering Structures Using Gantry Frame Mechanism" research initiative at the Centre of Excellence.
