Printing with earth-based materials
ETH Zurich researchers have developed a fast, robot-assisted printing process for earth materials that does not require cement.
11 Sep, 2024. 1 minute read
In the production hall, various construction elements are on display that a robot has ‘shot’ from clay balls. (Image: Michael Lyrenmann / Gramazio Kohler Research / ETH Zurich)
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Entire houses can be built from clay or excavated earth. The material is cheap, abundant, and sustainable as it does not require cement. However, existing building methods are very labour-intensive, slow and therefore expensive.
ETH Zurich researchers have now developed a fast robotic printing process for earth-based materials that does not require cement. In what is known as "impact printing", a robot shoots material from above, gradually building a wall. On impact, the parts bond together, and very minimal additives are required. Unlike concrete 3D printing, the process does not require any pauses during which the material can solidify. A mixture of excavated materials, silt, and clay is currently used.
Printing with Earth-Based Materials: A new robotic building method. (Video: ETH Zurich)