Integrating architectural design with robotic 3D printing

With the ability to rapidly form complex shapes, robotic 3D printing has the potential to transform traditional construction production methods
.

　　The French company XTreeE is a company helping to lead the transformation of the way construction is produced
.
In just five years, XTreeE has developed an industrialized technology for 3D printing buildings including hardware such as ABB robots, which is a complete solution from the digital design of the project to the actual production
.

The company uses ABB six-axis robots and RobotStudio® offline simulation programming software as part of its industrial 3D printing solution
.
With XTreeE's 3D printing solutions, construction companies can achieve unique architectural design results
.
3D printing technology brings more new construction and design methods, which also provides new possibilities for low-cost mass customized structure production
.
XtreeE's range of projects exemplify this great flexibility, from a reception in Dubai to an artificial reef off the coast of France
.

　　Alban Mallet, president of XTreeE, sums up the main advantages of 3D printing as a high degree of flexibility: "On demand, adaptable, tailored
.
One day you can print a table, the next day a wall, the third day Print a piece of public utility – 3D printing with a high degree of consistency every time
.
” 3D printing also has a big advantage – higher strength per unit mass
.
With 3D printing, the same strength can be achieved with less material
.

　　Advantages of ABB robots
　　Through the introduction of 3D printing technology, robots can assist in the production of new design-led architectural elements and components not possible with conventional construction methods
.

　　ABB robots and RobotStudio® software provide the flexibility needed to enable mass customization
.
The robot can be programmed to print a range of different designs
.

　　3D printing technology can also freely choose different printing materials
.
This technology allows the user to select the right material based on the product to be manufactured, but the robotic arm that pours the material remains the same
.
In addition to concrete, some specific products can also use clay and gypsum
.
Despite the many advantages of 3D printing solutions, 3D printing is not the final answer to all construction tasks
.
For example, it would be pointless to use 3D printing technology to make square objects, because the traditional technology is cheaper and more efficient
.

　　“Our cement producer partners see 3D printing as an enabling technology that can effectively reduce material loss,
” Mallet said
.
Cooperation can greatly improve product quality, certification levels, and material adaptability
.
At the same time, we also work extensively with local resources, including waste, sand and glass
.
"
　　Mallet said: "People will gradually accept the digitalization of the construction industry.
And automation, and we need to make sure that people in the construction industry understand how these are achieved through technology
.
Maybe 10-20 years from now, 3D printing technology will be further developed, but the technology is still only part of the building design, not the whole
.
The importance of architects remains self-evident - we still need their strong support to move construction projects forward
.
"