GeoPolymer International Showcases 3D Printers for Construction
SUMMERVILLE, SC (JANUARY 2024) – The construction industry accounts for about 27% of global carbon emissions, and traditional cement (a.k.a. Portland cement) accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions[1], according to the World Economic Forum. These emissions can be mitigated by using more sustainable, local materials and through 3D printing. Geopolymer International specializes in the research, development, and production of geopolymer-based sustainable construction materials and offers the latest equipment to mix and print them.
Geopolymers offer a wide range of performance benefits such as greater strength, durability, and resistance to fire, flood, and hurricane, and 3D printing allows for sophisticated and customized designs. Not only do Geopolymer International’s technologies decrease carbon emissions and reduce the environmental impact of traditional concrete, their new collaboration with Constructions-3D takes their dedication to innovation in construction one step further by offering construction companies and developers new models of 3D printers.
Geopolymer International offers a true geopolymer building material, which emits 80% less carbon dioxide than Portland cement. Geopolymers are made from locally-sourced minerals, such as metakaolin from the Carolinas, and can be used in a range of construction projects to increase sustainability and decrease carbon emissions and construction costs.
MaxiPrinter
The MaxiPrinter is making waves throughout the industry, having printed the largest 3D printed building in the world (a Guinness world record) in Dubai (2023), the tallest building printed in 3D within the Citadelle des Savoir-Faire (2024), and the first French building printed in 3D within the Citadelle des Savoir-Faire (2019). The MaxiPrinter doesn’t have height limitations as it can be lifted to the next floor. It is fast, mobile, compact, precise, economical, and all-terrain, and can be used in on-site indoor and outdoor construction. It can print with an internal diameter minimum of 16.4 ft and a maximum of 45.27 ft for a structure of 12.63 ft in height.
It has a usual printer speed of 3.94-5.91 in/s and a usual maximum vertical construction speed of 0.98-1.97 ft/h, though the parameter will be defined by the material used. The printer comes in a kit that includes 1 MaxiPrinter, 1 automated pumping system with direct data reporting, 1 automated silo kit, 1 remote control screen, and C3D Slicer Software developed by Constructions-3D. The kit is delivered in a 20’ maritime container that weighs less than 7 tons. As the exclusive North American distributor of all Constructions-3D machines, Geopolymer International will be adapting the MaxiPrinter to geopolymer ink and leasing or selling it throughout the US and Canada.
Mini Truss Printer “The Sophomore”
Geopolymer International makes gantry or overhead-style printers with stage trussing, using different truss, motor/controllers, drives, and operating systems to customize the dimensions, functions, and strength of the printer to every builder’s needs. Geopolymer International sells or leases truss printers as kits at the most competitive prices in the industry, making them perfect for universities and those eager to gain experience with 3D construction printing before making a larger investment. The “Sophomore” featured at the show has a 10’ x 10’ x 10’ printing area and will be set up for printing demonstration and attendees to operate.
