abb integrates architectural design with robotic 3D printing

XTreeE France is a company that helps lead the transformation of the way construction is produced. In just five years, XTreeE has developed an industrialized 3D printing building technology that includes hardware such as ABB robots, which is a complete solution from the digital design of the project to the actual production.

abb integrates architectural design with robotic 3D printing

　　The company uses ABB six-axis robots and RobotStudio® offline simulation programming software as part of its industrial 3D printing solution. With XTreeE's 3D printing solutions, architecture companies can achieve unique architectural design results. 3D printing technology has brought more new ways of building design, which also provides new possibilities for low-cost mass customization of structural production. XtreeE's range of projects exemplifies this great flexibility, from receptions in Dubai to artificial reefs off the coast of France.

Alban Mallet, President of XTreeE, sums up the main benefits of 3D printing as flexibility: "On-demand, adaptable, tailor-made. You can print a table on the first day, a wall on the second day, and a utility on the third day – every 3D print is highly consistent. "3D printing also has a great advantage – higher strength per unit mass. With 3D printing, the same strength can be achieved with less material.

Advantages of ABB robots

With the introduction of 3D printing, robots can assist in the production of new design-led architectural elements and components that are not possible with conventional construction methods.

ABB robotics and RobotStudio® software provide the flexibility needed to achieve mass customization. The robot can be programmed to print a range of different design structures.

3D printing technology also allows for the freedom to choose different printing materials. This technology allows the user to choose the right material according to the product to be manufactured, but the robotic arm that pours the material remains the same. In addition to concrete, clay and gypsum can also be used for certain products. Despite the many advantages of 3D printing solutions, 3D printing is not the ultimate answer for all construction tasks. For example, there is no point in using 3D printing technology to make square objects, because traditional technology is cheaper and more efficient.

"Our cement producer partners see 3D printing as an enabling technology that can effectively reduce material loss." "This collaboration is necessary because they want to play a role as part of the transformation of the industry," Mallet said. By working together, product quality can be significantly improved, certification levels can be increased, and material adaptability can be improved. At the same time, we work extensively with local resources, including waste, sand and glass. ”

"There will be a growing acceptance of digitalisation and automation in the construction industry, and we need to make sure that people in the construction industry understand how this is possible through technology," Mallet said. Perhaps in 10-20 years, the research and development of 3D printing technology will be further deepened, but this technology is still only a component of architectural design, not the whole story. The importance of architects is still self-evident – we still need their support to move our projects forward. ”

abb integrates architectural design with robotic 3D printing

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