The construction industry is undergoing a major transformation with the emergence of 3D printing in the building sector, a revolution embodied by the fruitful partnership between Sika and Constructions-3D. This collaboration has led to significant advancements in the sector, particularly in the development of innovative materials for the construction of the Tower within the Citadel of Expertise.
Key players: Axel Théry and Fabrice Decroix
Axel Théry, co-founder and engineer at Constructions-3D, and Fabrice Decroix, Director of Innovation at Sika France, are the driving forces behind this partnership. Constructions-3D, an expert in 3D printing of buildings, and Sika, a global leader in construction systems and products, are joining forces to push the boundaries of innovation.
The genesis of the partnership
The partnership began with the shared vision of using 3D printing for construction. Sika provides material solutions on all continents, perfectly suited for 3D printing, enabling Constructions-3D to offer its 3D printers to an international clientele. This ambitious project led to the creation of SikaCrete® micro-concretes, tailored to different printing scales.
Fabrice Decroix: "Within my innovation department at Sika France, I am constantly seeking innovative partners to collaborate on identified issues to address the new challenges in the construction and industry sectors, such as productivity or topological optimization (application of material only where needed), for example. That's why I proposed to Constructions-3D to work together, which resulted in the development of two SikaCrete® micro-concretes compatible with Constructions-3D's 3D printing printers. We initially printed small pieces of urban furniture, then medium-sized fairground pieces, and finally, the on-site construction of complete buildings, using a new construction system integrating 3D concrete printing. This new construction method was used for the Tower within the Citadel of Expertise."
The partnership focused on the interaction between Constructions-3D's robotic skills and Sika's materials expertise.
The outcome of this collaboration was the creation of SikaCrete® 733 3D for the MaxiPrinter and SikaCrete® 751 3D for the MiniPrinter Pro. These products reflect a deep understanding of the needs in 3D printing for buildings and demonstrate the effectiveness of collaboration across different domains.
Assessment and Future Perspectives
This partnership is a shining example of the proverb "Alone we can go fast, but together we can go far." It has benefited both Constructions-3D and Sika by expanding their understanding of the challenges of 3D printing in construction. Today, their collaboration continues to grow, not only in France but also internationally, thanks to Sika's global presence.
Axel Théry: "The open interaction between Constructions-3D and SIKA has accelerated the development of the construction automation sector. Indeed, these new printing material solutions are compatible with other printers. Constructions-3D machines are also compatible with other printing materials. The results of this partnership can therefore benefit the entire concrete 3D printing sector."
Fabrice Decroix concludes: "I am happy and proud to have worked with Constructions-3D... and to have contributed to this partnership which is intended to continue for as long as possible." This partnership has not only accelerated the development of automation in construction but has also opened up new possibilities in the concrete 3D printing sector.
The union of Sika and Constructions-3D perfectly illustrates how collaborative innovation can transform an industry, in this case, the construction sector, elevating 3D printing to the status of an essential technology for the future of construction.