3D printer for concrete

Lubrication-free solution for dusty environment

Constructions-3D is a French manufacturer of 3D mortar/concrete printers for construction. Since 2017, the manufacturer has been developing machines that automatically produce furniture, building structures and more using 3D concrete printing. The lubrication-free and durable products from igus® are an ideal solution in the dusty environment.

Profile

What was needed: adjustable bearings, linear axes with toothed belt drive, stepper motor
Requirements: the use of cement creates a high level of dust load that the products have 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 axes ensure a long service life despite dirt loads.

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Products used

drylin® ZLW-1660 toothed belt axis

Adjustable bearings (change without disassembly)

Stepper motor with connector, encoder and brake

Problem

We are in the Citadelle des Savoir-Faire in Bruay-sur-l'Escaut in Hauts-de-France. Here the company Constructions-3D produces various types of 3D printers that use concrete and mortar to create not only furniture, but also complete building structures.

Constructions-3D needed robust linear axes for the 3D printing machines. Because the use of concrete and mortar as building material creates a dusty environment that requires products that can cope with this special requirement. Easy maintenance and a long service life for the implementation of construction projects are also of high priority for the customer.

Solution

Thanks to the lack of lubricants, the igus® toothed belt axes offer a solution that also works reliably in dusty environments.

In order to test the use on the 3D concrete printer, a prototype was created beforehand, which was able to convince the customer. With the help of the adjustable bearings, the tolerances can be adjusted during assembly. This is how Constructions-3D saves valuable time in months and maintenance.

The costs of the products were also convincing and enabled savings of €1700 by the use of igus® products.

Impressions

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