Making Machines that Make Buildings Constructing a Mobile 3D Printer for Concrete Elements

Abstract

This paper is both a fundamental and applied study of the multi-faceted design and fabrication issues related to the construction of a mobile 3D printer. The paper signifies the halfway point in a project initiated at the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism at Carleton University starting in 2013. The printer, entitled 3DB, intends to print concrete elements for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry. The printer frame was designed to fit within the bed of a typical half-ton pick up truck or contract trailer. The paper describes the design, simulation and construction of the steel frame, gantry and extruder and makes speculation on future research including improved design of the extruder and nozzle mechanism.