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New Production Method: Impact Printing

ETH Zurich's clay-based "high velocity deposition"

By Rain Noe - September 23

in Digital Fabrication

Researchers at ETH Zurich are developing an alternative to 3D printing with concrete. They've devised a system called impact printing, where an overhead robot rig fires chunks of a clay mixture straight down at the ground. It fires these chunks in a prearranged pattern, and as each chunk hits another, they bond. In this manner, structures are built up.

Once all of the material is deposited, a robotic arm using a circular trowel can be used to do a final pass, smoothing the surface.

"Unlike concrete 3D printing, the process does not require any pauses during which the material can solidify," the researcher write. "A mixture of excavated materials, silt, and clay is currently used," though they add that "very minimal additives are required."

"Entire houses can be built from clay or excavated earth. The material is cheap, abundant, and sustainable as it does not require cement."

There is one mystery ingredient, which the researchers don't disclose; they say 75% of the mixture contains "a common waste product" from industry partner Eberhart AG, a company that makes automation and assembly systems.

Here's a look at the process:

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Jeff T

2 months ago

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I'm interested in this, but the idea of an unknown waste chemical being included in the mix does not inspire confidence. The United States is just beginning to realize the implications of PFAS waste products that were added to biological fertilizer and will likely result in lawsuits for the next several decades

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Ryan Cee

2 months ago

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The first production method personally endorsed by Mark Robinson.

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