Everything to Know About Concrete 3D Printing

3D Concrete printing (3DCP) is a construction method where a numerically controlled nozzle extrudes layers of cementitious material on top of each other to build structures — a concept so intuitive it's almost surprising it took so long to emerge in construction. Yet it is here, and poised to transform the building industry.

Published on 2025/03/03, 30 min to read

Written by Jessica Maciejewski

Everything to Know About Concrete 3D Printing

Summary

1. The state of concrete 3D printing
2. What can be 3D printed in concrete?
3. What is the required equipment for concrete 3D printing?
4. How does Concrete 3D Printing work ?
5. What are the advantages of concrete 3D printing?
6. What are the downsides of concrete 3D printing?
7. Frequently Asked Questions

A concrete 3D printed wall with a geometrical pattern

What is concrete 3D printing?

3D Concrete printing is a new construction technique that uses large scale 3D printers to build structures layer by layer using concrete. These printers come in many shapes and forms, ranging from cranes, gantries or robotic arms. Instead of the traditional methods that rely on manual labor and factory made materials, these machines extrude the building material flow while following a digital design to precisely create construction elements. This technique :

speeds up the building process,
reduces the cost and efforts of labor
offers a new realm of architectural possibilitie
enables the construction of complex shapes that would be difficult or expensive with standard construction methods.

William E. Urschel operating his so-called "Wall Building Machine"

The history of Concrete 3D printing

The start of 3D Concrete printing (3DCP) can be traced back to the 1930s, when an ingenious inventor, William E. Urschel, created the world's first 3D-printed concrete building behind a small warehouse in Indiana. His simple yet ingenious design consisted of an automatic ramming mechanism that compressed the concrete between spinning disks, consolidating and smoothing each layer as the material was extruded.

Without any ot the computing and robotic advancements available at the time, this invention was nonetheless, one of the first expression of construction automation.

1930
Introduction of an automatic ramming machine by William E. Urschel
2006 - 2008
Development of Concrete Printing at Loughborough University, UK
2014
Construction of the first 3D-printed castle in Minnesota by Andrey Rudenko
2015
Chinese company prints a five-story apartment building
2019
The world's largest 3D-printed building (offices for Dubai Municipality) is completed
2020
French company Constructions-3D prints the first 3D printed building in France “Le Pavillon” using a mobile robot.
2024
Highest 3D printed building in the world is printed by Constructions-3D

The state of concrete 3D printing

Since William E. Urschel's "Wall Building Machine", the progress in computing and robotisation has allowed companies to bring construction automation to the next level.

We, at Constructions-3D, have proudly pioneered the field of 3D construction printing. Since 2017, we have been commited in advancing the technology further, investing heavily in research and development to bring construction automation to the global market. That investment translates in state of the art concrete 3D printers used in real life market applications and a full suite of tools to help concrete 3D builders make the most out of this new technology.

One of the obstacle to the adoption of construction automation is a lack of a framework arround the technology. Builders around the world are used to work with standard materials, and rules and regulations mainly support the traditional construction methods. This is why our goal isn't only to provide a 3D concrete printer but the entire framework of tools required to successfuly print a building. Taking this into account, Constructions-3D developped its unique printing materials, easy to use piloting software and accessories such as a concrete printability tester, to provide acurate reading on the printability of the concrete. All of these innovation participate in making our construction automation technologies accessible to all builders around the world.

By continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in automated construction, we're not just participating in this pioneering field – we're actively shaping its future. On our french campus, we’re currently printing 2 500 sqm of building using our mobile concrete 3D printer to both demonstrate the possibility offered by the technology, as well as come up with new techniques for this construction process that can be shared with the growing community of builders to help foster adoption of C3DP as a building method.

What can be 3D printed in concrete?

3D printed houses

Just like traditionnal 3D printers, concrete 3D printers build house each layer at a time. This process drastically reduces construction time and cost while allowing for fully customized designs and sustainable materials.

3D printed bridges

Bridges can now be printed using advanced 3D technology, allowing for unique and complex designs that are stronger and faster to build than traditional methods. Plus, it's a more eco-friendly approach!

3D printed buildings

From commercial spaces to multi-story structures, entire buildings can be constructed through 3D printing. This method offers flexibility in design, faster build times, and less environmental impact.

3D printed Pre-Walls

Pre-walls are printed off-site and then brought to the construction location for easy assembly. This reduces both material waste and construction time, streamlining the building process.

3D Printed Furniture 

Custom furniture is no longer a time-consuming task. 3D printed furniture offers unique designs and can be made from concrete or other materials, providing durability and sustainability.

3D Printed Reservations 

3D printing can create spaces within walls for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems during construction, making the installation of utilities quicker and more efficient.

3D Printed Crawl-Space Foundations 

Crawl-space foundations, the support structures built below homes and buildings, can be 3D printed for precise and durable results. This method ensures a solid foundation while optimizing space for insulation and moisture control.

3D Printed rataining walls

Concrete 3D printing can be used to create strong, stable walls that hold back soil while offering a design that matches the unique topography of the project and using fewer materials.

3D Printed Benches and Public Infrastructure 

Public spaces can benefit from 3D printed infrastructure, including benches, bus stops, bike storage and other elements. These pieces are not only durable but also customizable to fit the space’s aesthetic.

What is the required equipment for concrete 3D printing?

Here’s the list of items required to do concrete 3D printing

Concrete 3D printer

Of course you need a printer to start concrete 3D printing.

Pump & mixer

This two in one device will mix the dry material with water and push it to the printer

Silo

Essential for large prints, this silo will store all your dry material and feed it to the pump

Control system

This unit controls your machines and adjust the flow of print / material

Slicer

This software calculates the paths of the machine to print your buildings

Constructimetre

This tool tests the printability of your mortar

How does Concrete 3D Printing work ?

Several types of concrete 3D printers are available today, but they share key factors despite differences in form factors. Constructions-3D has chosen to use a mobile robotic system, which offers the greatest flexibility, versatility, and quick deployment on work sites. For more information on different form factors, please refer to our dedicated article : what are the different types of concrete 3D printers ?

Electric Systems

Electric systems power the 3D printer's motors and control systems, ensuring precise operation. Reliable power and safety mechanisms are crucial for consistent and safe printing.

Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulics provide the force needed for heavy lifting and precise movement in large-scale printers. This system handles the mechanical aspects of the machine, such as positioning the print head and managing the concrete flow.

Material

The concrete mix is specially formulated for 3D printing, balancing viscosity and quick-setting properties. Additives may enhance its characteristics, and reinforcement like rebar can be incorporated for additional strength.

Weather / Ambient Conditions

Environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and wind can impact the curing process and structural integrity. Proper planning and protective measures are essential to ensure quality under varying conditions.

Software and File Preparation

Design and slicing software convert 3D models into printable layers and generate G-code instructions for the printer. Real-time monitoring helps adjust parameters for optimal results, ensuring the structure matches the digital design.

What are the advantages of concrete 3D printing?

Concrete 3D printing significantly improves building speed, allowing structures to be constructed in days rather than months. It substantially reduces costs by minimizing labor and material waste. The precision and efficiency of 3D printing can help address substandard housing issues by creating durable, high-quality homes quickly and affordably. Importantly, it alleviates many of the physical demands and safety risks associated with traditional construction, reducing labor hardship in the sector. Workers can operate in safer conditions, with less manual lifting and decreased exposure to hazardous environments.

Concrete 3D printing: a big change for architects

Concrete 3D printing offers unprecedented design flexibility, enabling architects to create complex, customized structures that were previously impractical or impossible with traditional methods. This technology frees architects from many traditional constraints, allowing them to explore more organic, complex, and customized forms that were previously impractical or prohibitively expensive. Curved walls, intricate lattices, and unique textures can now be realized with ease. The precision of 3D printing enables architects to push the boundaries of structural engineering, creating more efficient and innovative building shapes. Moreover, the rapid prototyping capabilities of 3D printing allow for quicker iteration and refinement of designs, streamlining the creative process.

A way to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry

Traditional concrete production is a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, but concrete 3D printing can help gear the construction industry towards zero emission buildings.

Concrete 3D printing minimizes material waste through precise application, reducing the overall amount of concrete needed for a project. The ability to create optimized, lighter structures further decreases material usage without compromising strength.
Some 3D-printable eco-friendly concrete mixes incorporate recycled materials or industrial by-products, lowering the demand for new cement production.
The technology also allows for the integration of insulation and air pockets within structures, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing long-term emissions from heating and cooling.
The localized nature of 3D printing can reduce transportation-related emissions by enabling on-site production.

What are the downsides of concrete 3D printing?

While concrete 3D printing offers numerous advantages, it faces some industry-wide challenges. The initial investment in equipment and training can be substantial for construction firms, and evolving regulatory frameworks may slow adoption in certain areas. However, these hurdles are typical of any transformative technology. Constructions-3D stands out in this landscape with its easy-to-use Maxi Printer, which overcomes the size limitations common to other manufacturers. Unlike competitors, Constructions-3D can tackle projects of any scale, from small structures to large-scale buildings, allowing builders to quickly realize significant cost savings and efficiency gains. This ensures that firms investing in Constructions-3D's technology will achieve a strong return on investment while staying ahead in a competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How strong is 3D printed concrete?

The strength of 3D printed concrete typically ranges from 30 MPa (megapascals) to over 60 MPa, which is comparable to or even higher than conventional concrete. The layer-by-layer printing process allows for unique structural designs and the integration of complex geometries, providing additional strength and stability. Additionally, 3D printed concrete can be reinforced with fibers or steel rebar, further enhancing its durability and load-bearing capacity, making it suitable for a wide range of construction applications, from residential homes to commercial buildings.

How much does a concrete 3D printer cost?

Our Maxi Printer starts at 549 000 €