With new 3D printing technology, CEMEX and COBOD build a better future
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. (“CEMEX”) and COBOD International (“COBOD”), a global leader in construction-grade 3D printers, announced today the introduction of a 3D printing solution that utilizes conventional ready-mix concrete in the building process. The solution allows for a reduction in time and significant savings versus traditional construction and other 3D printing methods.
Utilizing an innovative admixture, CEMEX and COBOD developed a solution for 3D printing that enables the use of conventional concrete, allowing the consumption of local and readily available materials.
Current 3D printing methods rely on highly specialized and expensive mortars. CEMEX introduced a proprietary admixtures family called D.fab, which transforms conventional concrete into a versatile material that can be efficiently tailored for 3D printing construction.
This admixtures innovation produces a more fluid and malleable concrete that facilitates the pouring process for 3D printing applications. COBOD’s printers and expertise, in combination with the admixtures, make it possible for the concrete to gain shape instantaneously. COBOD applied the new solution for the first time in a suburb of Luanda, the capital of Angola, where homebuilder Power2Build used it to construct Angola’s first 3D printed concrete house.
“The introduction of this revolutionary 3D printing system is a testament to our customer-centric mindset and relentless focus on continuous innovation and improvement. Working together with COBOD, we have developed an experience for customers that is superior to anything that has been provided in the past,” said Juan Romero, Executive Vice President Sustainability, Commercial, and Operations Development of CEMEX. “Our innovation efforts position us at the forefront of new technologies that contribute to building a better future.”
“To address the world´s affordable housing needs requires not only a technology that can build faster, but also materials that are as economical as ordinary concrete. With this solution, the strength and quality of concrete combined with the speed and automation of 3D printing, we can help solve the affordable housing crisis in Angola and elsewhere,” said Ricardo Almeida, CEO of Power2Build.
“COBOD began 3D construction printing back in 2017, and 3D printed Europe’s first 3D printed building, we made the concrete recipe ourselves. We had to use much cement to get the material to work, with the consequence that our recipe was not as efficient as we aspired. However, we continued to look for a solution with ordinary concrete, which is critical for the mass application of our technology. We are more than pleased that CEMEX took on the challenge and proud that we cooperated to develop the new solution,” said Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder & General Manager of COBOD International.
About COBOD
COBOD International A/S, Denmark, is a construction robotics and automation company in hypergrowth with +70 employees. We are globally the leading supplier of 3D construction printers and technology. It is our mission to disrupt the construction industry on a global scale by lowering the cost of construction via robotics and automation. We made Europe’s first 3D printed building in 2017 and since then our printers have been used to create Europe’s first two- and three-story buildings in Belgium and Germany, the first villa in Dubai and the first 3D printed buildings in Africa. Together with GE Renewable Energy, US we also 3D printed the first concrete windmill towers. Our printers are active on 6 continents and serve customers in Asia, The Middle East, Africa, Europe, The US & Canada and South America. Our customers include multinational companies like GE Renewable Energy, PERI, Dar Al Arkan, Saudi Arabia, L&T Construction, India and JGC, Japan. For more information visit https://cobod.com/
Contact:
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder & General Manager
cell: +45 2447 7337
e-mail: hln@cobod.com
About Power2Build
Power2Build is a technology startup, 100% Angolan, that uses innovation and new technologies in the construction industry to create faster, more sustainable, and efficient processes. The goal is to use technology, such as 3D Printing solutions, to significantly reduce the housing crisis in Angola, and other countries in Africa, by providing solutions that allow to build affordable and high-quality housing in the region, in a faster and more competitive way, to private and public entities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). For more information visit https://power2build.co.ao/pt/
Contact:
power2build.co.ao
ricardo.almeida@power2build.co.ao
+244 923 732 226
About CEMEX
CEMEX (NYSE: CX) is a global construction materials company that is building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. CEMEX is committed to achieving carbon neutrality through relentless innovation and industry-leading research and development. CEMEX is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain and is pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations with the use of new technologies. CEMEX offers cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and urbanization solutions in growing markets around the world, powered by a multinational workforce focused on providing a superior customer experience, enabled by digital technologies. For more information, please visit: www.cemex.com
For media enquiries please contact Sarah Murphy; email: sarah.murphy@cemex.com
m. 07557 319972.