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Three technologies, one machine
Concrete printing, plastics printing and 5-axis milling – tools mounted on a common interface of the same machine. For each technology: how an element is made and what it is made with.
- Processes
- concrete · plastics · milling
- Working tools
- concrete extruder · plastics extruder · 5‑axis milling head
- Print preparation
- From model to print ↓
Technologies
Print preparation
From model to print
Every print starts from a digital model. The program is prepared in well-known toolpath design software, and the machine executes it under the control of an advanced, high-precision Mitsubishi M800 series CNC controller.
3D model
Design of the element in CAD software.
STL file
Model saved as a triangle mesh.
Print toolpath
Slicing into layers or parametric design of the nozzle path.
Parameters
Flow rate, layer height, bead width and texture.
G-code
Program with motion and output commands for the machine.
Print
The Mitsubishi CNC control executes the program; the flow rate can be corrected during printing.
Monitoring
Camera view; parameter logging with the data acquisition system (option).
Two ways to prepare the toolpath
Slicing the model into layers
The 3D model is sliced into layers automatically, and the software determines the nozzle path in each of them. Ready-made settings for your machine allow G‑code for walls, precast elements and moulds to be prepared quickly.
Parametric toolpath design
The toolpath is designed parametrically: full control of the bead cross-section, variable layer height, tilt and manual path correction. This is how concrete textures, non-planar prints, organic forms and plastics toolpaths are created.
One element – from model to print
3D model
Digital model of the precast element.
Toolpaths
Toolpaths generated in the software, layer by layer.
Print
Elements printed directly from the program.
Request a quote
Not sure which technology fits your part? Describe what you want to make; we will suggest the process and material, and print a sample before you decide.