Dec 31, 2014 | By Alec
Are you looking to print a new house with your own 3D printer? That's already possible. While several companies have been experimenting with construction printing for a while now, the Slovenian pioneers from BetAbram looks to bring their technology to the marketplace. Now they have also shared more information and footage of their printers in action, so we can all see what they're capable of.
A few months ago, we reported that BetAbram were building up towards taking orders for their printers – the cheapest one going for €12,000 – but there seems to have been some delay in finalizing the necessary software for their printers.
But they have now apparently reached a stage where you can order a 3D house printer and not just one, but a selection of three separate machines. As the footage below illustrates, these machines have problem with printing out walls, staircases, foundations, you name it.
Click on the three videos below to see BetAbram 3D house printers in action:
As they explained on their Facebook page, these three printers are the P1, P2 and P3 BetAbram 3D printers, respectively. The P1 can be purchased for a respectable €32,000, while the cheapest P3 can be yours for as little as €12,000 (shipping and a concrete pump or 'filament' not included).
Now all of these machines are quite capable of printing a house, though the smallest P3 will only feature a printbed of 2000mm x 3000mm x 4000mm and weighs 180kg to 200kg, while its upgraded P2 cousin measures in at 2000mm x 6000mm x 12000mm and weighs about 200kg to 400kg. Their signature P1 model, meanwhile, is a giant amongst its kin at a height of 2000mm, a width of 9000mm and a depth of 16000mm.
All of these machines can extrude 25 cm in height in one go, then you have to wait 4-5 hours before continuing with extruding. The company have already stated that they're working on improving their material, though we'll have to see if they can shorten that timeframe. All three models do run on three-phase current(380V)and comsume 3000W (through a CEE 7/4 plug, which is common in Europe). The software side of the equation will doubtlessly feel more familiar to 3D printing enthusiasts, as they rely on a special CNC program that works with STL files and G-Code. If customers run into any difficulties, BetAbram does provide tech support and assembly assistance.
If you're looking to purchase one of these intriguing printers, you can contact BetAbram through their website for more information, but beware: their printers are built on demand, so there'll be a six-month waiting period before its shipped to your home.
If anyone wishes to take a leap with 3D printing houses, then this is. The construction industry has just become a little more fascinating.
Posted in 3D Printers
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I guess after 25cm the cement can start to collapse so you need to wait these 4-5 hours for it to solidify.
Lowes wrote at 1/3/2015 9:24:27 AM:
"All of these machines can extrude layers of 25 cm in height" Should that not be 25mm?
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