#3DStartup: From Vases to Facades—Concrete 3D On the Many Possibilities for 3D Printing With Concrete

We are hearing more and more often about projects in which concrete 3D printing is being implemented. Most of these projects are in the construction sector. In the past, we have reported on a 3D-printed parking lot, a concrete tower, and the use of 3D-printed concrete to build bridges. The Austrian startup Concrete 3D has also been dedicating itself to the concrete printing process since this year. The young company from Vorarlberg enables customers to manufacture facade elements, structural and civil engineering products, and even individual pieces of furniture for their own four walls. With this, Concrete 3D wants to further advance the use of the process and enable the diverse application possibilities of the technology in new segments. We spoke to Michael Gabriel, Divisional Manager at Concrete 3D, about the potential of concrete printing and the first projects.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and your connection to 3D printing?

My name is Michael Gabriel, I’m a division manager at Concrete 3D. I’ve been in the additive manufacturing industry since November 2020. In my new position, I was allowed to create the 3D models and print paths as well as produce them myself. For this reason, I not only became familiar with the printer and the drawing program very quickly but also quickly got to know the challenges of 3D printing with concrete.

The two managing directors, Philipp Tomaselli (left) and Markus Loacker (right), as well as the division director, Michael Gabriel (center) — Photo Credit: Concrete 3D / Udo Mittelberger

3DN: What does Concrete 3D do? With what mission was the company founded?

In principle, the nice thing about 3D printing is that the possibilities are unlimited. In the beginning, we have therefore decided on four sub-areas: Individual facade components, C-shape recess systems, furniture & accessories, and prefabricated parts as well as semi-finished parts that would require a lot of formwork in a conventional way. Our mission is to finally introduce Industry 4.0 in the construction industry. To use the material again only where it is needed and thus to get back to leaner components, which not only saves weight but also resources and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, we would like to offer our customers individualization despite industrialization at an affordable price with the help of the 3D printing process.