3D Printing

INNOVATIVE MATERIAL SCIENCE EXPERTISE IS IN OUR DNA

“The purpose of LATICRETE is to improve the built world and the lives of those who build it.” - David A. Rothberg, Chairman of the Board

Today, the R&D team at LATICRETE has developed several cementitious 3D printing mortars that will fuel the future of 3D construction around the world. Our 3D printing mortars provide solutions for the professional 3D construction industry that includes homes, schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and modular formwork. We are proud to be part of this innovative, problem-solving, leading-edge industry and its market development.

LATICRETE® 3D Printing Mortar brings another exciting possibility; It is a far less expensive method of construction. By reducing costs, time, labor, and waste – we can build more affordable houses using fewer materials and resources, leading to a positive social impact addressing the current global housing shortage and rescue housing when natural disasters occur. 

Watch the construction of this 3D printed home in Tempe, Arizona.

The Future of 3D Printed Houses and Commercial Buildings Is Here

3D Construction Is Fast Production

3D printing in the construction industry means greatly reduced production time. That’s because the machines themselves are very fast, some of them can manufacture the walls of a small 600 to 800 SF (55 to 75-square-meter) home in just 24 hours. 3D printers are also highly automated, which greatly reduces human error. The machine needs to be monitored, but most of the production process doesn’t involve a high degree of labor.

While curved concrete structures poured into forms are solid, those created using 3D printing technology can be hollow. This allows space for necessary building services such as electrical HVAC, right inside the structural elements of the building. Our advantage is in our rheology expertise – we have multiple cement-based mortars that are compatible with various types of 3D printers. Our mission is to continue our position as a globally recognized, trusted building product manufacturer.

Our Partners

Twente Additive Manufacturing has printed the home of tomorrow. They built the first 3D printed home in Canada with a design based on the Fibonacci sequence using LATICRETE® 3D-M68 Mortar.

Fibonacci House

 

Pre-Printed Modular Garages

 

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Printed Farms completed Florida’s first 3D printed structure. Their next project is a full-scale home which will be printed in Tallahassee, Florida, USA using our field proven M68 Mortar. They are on a mission to develop a scalable building system while commercializing 3D construction printing.

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Artist renderings of 3D printed homes under construction in Tempe, Arizona, USA.

   

Owner: Habitat for Humanity

GC: Peri Construction

Size: Approximately 1,700 SF (158m) Over 70% is 3D printed

Printer: COBOD 3D

Mortar: LATICRETE 3D-M68 Printing Mortar

Features of 3D Printing Technology

Economics

• No formwork needed
• Less material usage up to 30%
• Jobsite waste reduction up to 50%
• Shortened build timetables up to 50%
• Reducing labor costs from 50 to 80%
• Improved materials performance
• Safer working environment
• Localized manufacturing and shipping

 

Experience

With nearly 7 decades of expert rheology experience, LATICRETE has partnered on numerous successful 3D printing construction projects in multiple global locations including: 

• Canada
• United States of America
• United Arab Emirates

 

Sustainability

Through design innovation combined with optimal use of our LATICRETE® 3D Printing Mortars, construction printing can also pave the way for a 3D built environment with greater sustainability. Using the process of additive manufacturing, there is virtually no significant material waste in 3D printing. In this case, successive layers of material are laid on top of each other until the final product is complete.

 

Customer Service

The 3D team at LATICRETE is focused on technical support; our scientists and technical experts work directly with 3D construction contractors from beginning to end for a successful print.

 

 

Compatibility

Our high performance 3D printing mortars are compatible with the majority of construction 3D printers available today. And our mortars can be produced locally around the globe, delivering: 

• Cost efficiency
• Timely delivery
• Customization

 

LATICRETE is a member of the following organizations in support of standards and transparency:

• ASTM Committee F42 on Additive Manufacturing Technologies
• ACI Committee 564 - 3D Printing with Cementitious Materials