3D printer for concrete

• 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.

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.

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.