3D Concrete Printing — CyBe Construction
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We redefine construction

3D Concrete Printing

CyBe Construction is an ambitious, award-winning tech company, established in 2013. We redefine construction by enabling 3D Concrete Printing for all clients throughout the industry. We provide hardware, software and material to simplify the complex building processes. We guide the industry through education, certification and business development.

  • Technology

    3D concrete printers

    CyBe Construction redefines construction by enabling 3D Concrete Printing for all clients throughout the industry. We provide hardware – 3D printers – software and material to simplify the complex building processes.

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    A 3D concrete printing technician oversees a CyBe Construction 3D concrete printing project
  • Technology

    CyBe Mortar

    We strongly believe that one integrated system combining hardware, software and material is key. As a result, we have co-developed CyBe MORTAR specifically for the application of 3D concrete printing.

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    CyBe MORTAR - CyBe Construction
  • Technology

    Software

    An aligned combination of hardware and software results in an integrated system, which enables partners to develop their own material.

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    Software developer vacancy
    • Education

    CyBe Academy

    In addition to offering hardware, software and materials, we also offer a learning platform. Depending on where your interest lies, or what you want to learn, you can scroll through our various courses covering a wide range of aspects of 3D concrete printing.

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    Learning Development- CyBe Construction

    3D Concrete printing

    At CyBe Construction, we provide solutions for affordable housing to the construction industry. What started as a fascination of building and innovation has grown to an independent company providing solutions for building projects quicker, cheaper and more sustainable.

    The construction industry benefits greatly from 3D concrete printing technology for building affordable housing, as it is a means to an end during the current global housing shortage.
    We provide the hardware, software and material to simplify the complex building processes. But also we guide our customers through the route towards affordable housing through education, certification and business development.
    Thanks to short cycle times, rapid changeovers, and consistent precision, our 3D printing technology is the perfect answer to your building challenge.

    3D Concrete Printing technology

    If you are a future-focused company in the construction industry, you’ve probably heard something about 3D concrete printing. It’s an efficient method of building that minimizes materials and labor costs and maximizes production.
    On top of that, it can also pave the way for a construction sector with more sustainability by incorporating more clever designs and optimized use of materials. Particularly in a housing shortage period, 3D concrete printing machines bring incredible value to the construction industry.

    How does 3D concrete printing work?

    3D concrete printing machines create structures layer-by-layer based on programmed input. CyBe’s printers use CyBe’s Chysel and Artysan software , which prepare 3D models for the machine and control the printing. The input from the software guides the machine, which positions itself and its nozzle in the correct location at the correct time. The mix-pump system moves CyBe Mortar through a concrete pump hose to the robotic arm, while the machine constantly moves from coordinate to coordinate while extruding a steady stream of concrete.
    Depending on the size of the structure, concrete mortars with varying set-times are used. For wall elements, a fast-drying mortar is ideal. CyBe’s specially developed, fast-drying CyBe Mortar sets in 3–5 minutes. One wall element can be printed within 1–2 hours. This makes it possible to print all the walls of one of our Lyve Design within 2 to 3 days. After 24 hours of hardening, elements can be hoisted and placed at their final location. For printing entire finished modules, a longer set-time is necessary to achieve wet-on-wet connection. Depending on the exact size of the print area, CyBe Mortar Gantry will set within 15–40 minutes.

     

    Las Casitas Round Top

    3D printing technology in construction: how?

    We strongly believe that one integrated system combining hardware, software and material is key in achieving the best results for 3D concrete printing for several purposes.

    Wall elements – Within our Lyve concept our team of designers and architects has developed various designs that are easy to build using the various 3D concrete printing technologies. The method of printing with the CyBe Robotic-line (R-line) printers is done by dividing the design into wall elements. All these wall elements can be printed within 2 to 3 days. After this the next phases of the construction can immediately be done; e.g. roof and water- & air- tightening of the building, placement of doors & windows, the installation of mechanical & electrical services and public sanitation & hygiene facilities.

    CyBe’s principle is to optimize any design to the local regulations, requirements and expectations. As a result it is possible to optimize any concept in insulation, wall thickness, structural principle and local special requirements such as earthquake regulations.

    Modular construction – Our patented concept of Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) is a construction method we have developed for our CyBe Gantry-line (G-line) printers. This concept consists of free-standing 3-dimensional modules that are completed with internal finishes, fixtures and fittings in an off-site fabrication facility, before it is delivered and installed on-site. We created a living solution that helps you and your environment, as this way of construction we can cut down the cost of gas, water and light to a minimum.
    Artificial reef – Our range is not limited to 3D printing technology for building houses only, as our machines serve various markets such as coral reef restoration; An incredible solution for our oceans’ main problems. Artificial reefs can produce rapid increases in the growth of algae, coral, and local fish populations. Our material has shown great results of containing certain elements like coral, because of the roughness of the material.

    Manholes – The use of the 3D concrete printing technology for the production of manholes has many benefits. For example, the production time of 3D concrete printed manholes is a lot quicker than traditional because of the fast curing time of the CyBe Mortar. The manholes can be measured by the printing equipment, shared with the printing software and printed within 1 to 2 hours. As a result, this will minimize the required materials and labor costs and will maximize the production.

    Street furniture – The concrete 3D printing technology enables us to offer a variety of efficient, quick, sustainable and affordable solutions for not only construction projects, but also landscaping projects. Both applications can be done with the same 3D concrete printing technology.
    Art – Another benefit of the 3D concrete printing technology is the design freedom, which makes it also perfectly suitable to create art and abstract design without the need for costly molds.

    What are the benefits?

    Speed is key – With our 3D concrete printing technology, we can build housing projects five times faster than conventional construction. The combination of our 3D concrete printers with the CyBe Mortar allows us to print the wall elements of our Lyve designs within 2 to 3 days. After 24 hours, the printed elements can be hoisted and the building can be finalized.

    More sustainable – Due to the precision of our 3D concrete printing technology, the machine only applies the mortar where it’s needed. This means that less material is needed, less waste is produced and therefore less CO2 is emitted. On top of that, the production of our eco-frienly material, CyBe Mortar, emits up to 32% less CO2 than Portland cement.

    Freedom of form – In conventional construction, the formwork determines the shape of concrete when pouring the concrete. 3D concrete printing technology opens up the ability to build complex designs that are otherwise not possible, or too expensive or labor-intensive to create by conventional construction methods..

    Get your own 3D concrete printer

    The first step towards your own 3D concrete printing technology would be to determine the print application that you will be using:

    • On-site or off-site (precast factory)
    • Single-standing buildings or modular units
    • Components or finished modules (such as finished apartments)
    • Complex textures or standard shapes

    The next step would be to have a call to dive deeper into your application, give you an overview of the solutions we offer, answer any questions you may have, and discuss the way forward.

    Subsequently, the following step would be to purchase the 3D concrete printing technology and together set up the local production of the CyBe Mortar.

    After 6 to 9 months, the CyBe 3D printer will be ready for shipment and your future operators will be trained during a 10-day training course by the CyBe Team. To support a continuous learning curve, we also provide online education on our Lybrary to teach your team everything about all aspects of 3D concrete printing, from operational and design levels, all the way up to strategic and tactical levels.

    Our software

    Our 3D printing technology is standardly provided with CyBe Chysel software. Chysel is the ‘slicing’ software used to generate a toolpath from digital 3D models. Within Chysel, you have access to variables relevant for your personalized printing strategy. Some examples of what can be given as input are layer width, layer height and the printing speed.
    It keeps track of already printed objects and ensures that the 3D printer will not collide with these objects.

    Based on the generated toolpath code by Chysel, CyBe Artysan software is used to control the machine and keep track of the 3D print statistics such as printing time, humidity, outside temperature, temperature of the material, rotor stator temperature and the values of the additive during the start-up and printing procedure.

    Save time with parametric design

    A significant amount of time can be saved during the design phase of a building project by employing parametric design.
    Unlike traditional design methods, parametric design allows different components to be easily adjusted. These design components, referred to as parameters or variables, can contain items such as the number of rooms or the positioning of doors and windows. For example, the number of rooms in a building (as one parameter within a design) can be changed, and the other parameters that relate to it (e.g. positioning of doors and windows) will be automatically adjusted to correspond. The parametric design software easily modifies the overall design while calculating the relationships between the various components. It can take a lot of time and effort to manually modify each design element, therefore parametric design is an efficient way of cutting down time and costs on the designing for affordable housing.

    3D concrete printing for your project

    • How does 3D concrete printing work?
      3D concrete printers construct structures layer by layer based on programmed instructions. CyBe’s printers utilize our proprietary Chysel and Artysan software to prepare 3D models and control the printing process. The software guides the printer, ensuring precise positioning of the nozzle as it moves from coordinate to coordinate, achieving an average speed of 500 mm/s (the fastest in the industry) while continuously extruding concrete. Various concrete mortars are used, tailored to the size and type of structure being printed. For wall elements, CyBe Mortar, our fast-drying mortar that sets in 3–5 minutes, is utilized, enabling the printing of one wall element (3x3m or 9x9ft) in approximately 1.5 hours (including startup and cleaning). When printing entire finished modules (PPVC), a longer set time can be achieved by adding more retarder during the mixing procedure.
    • What are the main benefits of 3D concrete printing?
      For us at CyBe, we view 3D concrete printing as a means to an end. What is that end, you ask? We focus on faster, more affordable, and therefore more sustainable construction solutions. 3D concrete printing is just a small part of our construction process. Before you can start construction, no matter the method, you have to design your project. By leveraging 3D parametric design software, we not only optimize the actual construction process but also the preconstruction phase of a project. 3D concrete printing complements 3D design by allowing a lot of design freedom and smart construction details to be developed and optimized without being limited by traditional methods. These smart details and designs only need to be created once, as we have an international platform for sharing these innovations with all our partners, called the CyBe Lybrary. For example, when our partner in Morocco wanted to print a public restroom, they did not have to hire an architect because they could simply download a model from our Lybrary, uploaded by our partner in Japan, resulting in reduced project costs before actual construction even began. Most of you reading this might think, at this stage, that sounds like a great first step, but what about the actual direct cost of construction using 3D concrete printing? What about the material price (which is, of course, more expensive than traditional concrete), and the integration of 3D concrete printing with traditional methods for elements not printed, such as the foundation or the roof? You will never hear us say that 3D printing is some magic solution that will allow you to build a full house in one day for €10,000 (as some articles online might suggest). While it is not a magic solution or a so-called silver bullet, 3D printing does offer many benefits during the actual construction phase. Since 3D printing is an automated process, significant reductions in labor costs can be achieved because the 3D printer requires only 2-3 operators to build large and complex walls. 3D concrete printing is also significantly faster than traditional construction; a 3x3m (9x9ft) wall is printed in just under one hour. This reduces overall construction time and, therefore, time-related costs. Regarding material costs, it is true that 3D printable concrete is more expensive than traditional concrete (anyone telling you otherwise is “hopefully optimistic”). However, when implemented properly, as we do at CyBe, 3D concrete construction can reduce the amount of material needed by almost 60%. This is achieved because our 3D printer applies thin layers of material precisely where needed and not more. There is also almost no waste, as 3D printing is a precise construction method. With this in mind, we typically achieve a direct construction cost reduction of roughly 2-5%. Due to time reductions in both the preconstruction and construction phases, we can save between 15% and 30% on overall construction costs.
    • How can concrete 3d printing help the environment?
      3D concrete printing is more environmentally friendly than traditional construction methods. The material used is often more sustainable than regular concrete, and the technique allows for less overall material usage. There is also less waste material, and there are options for local material development. 3DCP also relies on energy as opposed to fossil fuels, and the low print times make the technique energy-efficient. Additionally, by combining Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) with 3DCP, you’re able to construct modular, net-zero housing units.
    • Can I see examples of 3D concrete printing projects your company has completed?
      Absolutely! Our company has extensive experience and has successfully executed numerous projects we’re proud of! To get a glimpse of our work, please visit the cases on our website using the top menu, or by navigating to https://cybe.eu/cases/!
    • I am interested in purchasing a 3D concrete printer. Where do I start?
      You’re at the right place! Our FAQ provides you with quite a lot of information that you need to know. If, after reading the answers, you feel confident to take the next step, our sales team is eager to connect with you. Simply fill out our contact form and describe your inquiry (https://cybe.eu/contact/). We’ll get in touch with you shortly. To help us assist you to the best of our abilities, we would appreciate it if you could specify the nature of your inquiry as much as possible. By doing so, we can connect you with one of our experts who is best suited to help with your needs.
    • Is my product or project suitable for 3D concrete printing?
      At the moment there is a vast amount of possibilities for using CyBe’s 3D Concrete printing technology. 3DCP enables free-form design, which makes it possible to build complex forms. We can do a printability analysis to see whether your project is suited for 3D printing. To check if your product or projects is suited all we need is a 3D-model or design. We will verify whether your plans are printable for us.
    • Is 3D concrete printing possible in every climate?
      Yes, very much so! We have successfully conducted printing projects in various climates and temperatures across the globe, ranging from desert environments to sub-zero conditions. We adapt our printing parameters accordingly to ensure optimal performance and quality.
    • How do I decide which 3D concrete printing system is best for my project?
      This can be complex to determine right off the bat. The most important factor, among others, is what you would like to print the majority of the time. If you are interested in purchasing one of our 3D concrete printers, you can get in touch with us via the contact form. Our sales team will guide you through every step to determine the best printer for your specific application. If you would like to learn more about selecting the best printer for your needs yourself, you can read more about the topic in the following post: https://cybe.eu/choosing-your-3d-concrete-printer/
    • What do you get when you buy a 3D concrete printing system?
      We offer a comprehensive package that includes hardware, software, training, support, and service options, ensuring a seamless experience for your 3D concrete printing needs. Our package features essential components that create a robust printing system, including options such as the Robot, Robot Crawler, Robot Track, or Gantry Robot. Additionally, it includes a mixing system and our proprietary operational software, Chysel, tailored specifically for 3D concrete printing. You will also have access to Artysan, our intuitive software for printer control. To kickstart your printing journey, we provide a starter kit complete with all necessary consumables. Moreover, our offering includes comprehensive operator training to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills required to not only operate the machine successfully but also to use the technology effectively to build and profit. With a dedicated support contract, our team is ready to assist you at every step, ensuring your success is our top priority. Whether it’s learning, support, or troubleshooting, we are committed to helping you achieve your printing goals. Your success is our success.
    • What is the delivery time for 3D concrete printers?
      You can expect to receive our 3D printers approximately 5 to 6 months after making your initial payment. To potentially shorten this timeframe, feel free to inquire about our currently available in-stock machines.
    • Can a 3D concrete printer be shipped to my location?
      We have extensive experience in shipping our printers worldwide. From North America to Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, our printers have been delivered to various locations around the globe. You name it, we’ve probably shipped there—well, except Antarctica… But we sure love a challenge if you’re up for it!
    • What kind of additional items and factory/site preparation is needed to start 3D concrete printing?
      The minimal requirements are a 3-phase power supply and a tap water supply of 250 liters per hour. To prepare your factory or construction site for printing, we have created a detailed list called our ‘Pre-Print Checklist.’ This document outlines all necessary facility requirements, including helpful tools and items to further facilitate the printing process. With the purchase of your printer, we assist you in preparing the facility so that the printers are operational within a few days after delivery, allowing you to start production!
    • What is the warranty on a 3D concrete printer?
      CyBe provides a standard one-year warranty with the purchase of our 3D printers. While our systems are reliable and perform optimally, unforeseen issues may arise. Rest assured that, within the warranty period and in accordance with our Service Level Agreement, any necessary repairs or replacements due to malfunctions will be promptly addressed. After the one-year warranty period, our commitment to customer satisfaction continues. You can opt for ongoing support through a service contract or schedule individual service appointments for any maintenance or repairs needed.
    • What is the cost of a 3D concrete printer?
      The starting cost of our different printers can be found on their respective pages on our website (https://cybe.eu/3d-concrete-printing/printers/). These prices include the basic printers and necessary auxiliary equipment. However, we understand that every situation and need is unique. That’s why we offer tailored solutions that include additional options for our printers, supplementary training, service and support packages, and full transportation arrangements. We believe in providing comprehensive solutions that meet your specific requirements, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation of 3D concrete printing. While it’s important to know your initial investment to start 3D concrete printing, at CyBe we believe it’s even more crucial to determine the ROI on that investment. A printer costing €1,000 that results in a loss on every print is far less appealing than a printer costing €300,000 that can pay for itself within a year. To determine this ROI, our sales team would be happy to assist you with the business case for your specific application.
    • Are there financing possibilities when buying a 3D concrete printer?
      While CyBe itself does not offer international financing or leasing programs, we work with local partners who may be able to provide leasing or financing options. The availability of these options depends on your location. Alternatively, CyBe offers various payment structures to accommodate your specific needs. Our team would be happy to discuss these options with you during a call.
    • What does it cost to 3D print a building?
      The total cost of printing a building varies depending on several factors, including its size, specific requirements such as insulation, and the chosen print strategy. Our approach aims to significantly reduce construction time, resulting in potential savings due to decreased overhead costs at construction sites and reduced labor expenses. Additionally, by organizing construction projects in a way that maximizes printer utilization, overall costs for 3D-printed buildings can be substantially lower. However, it’s important to note that the total price of a building can vary greatly depending on these factors. If you’d like to receive a customized quotation for your project or need assistance in estimating the costs for a building in your region, please don’t hesitate to contact our team via the contact form.
    • How quick is 3D concrete printing and what is the speed per square meter?
      Our printers operate at speeds of up to 500 mm per second. This allows CyBe 3D concrete printers to print 1 square meter of a double-layered wall in just under 6 minutes.
    • What is the production capacity of a 3D concrete printer?
      The production capacity depends on the level of difficulty of the element. We recommend printing with a minimum of 2 certified operators to manage 1) the Mix Pump System, 2) the printing process and the overview. In a day, you can do multiple prints, depending on how big the prints are and how fast the preparation process goes. The more often you print, and also the more you repeat a model, the easier the preparation process becomes. With nonstop printing of 2x2m walls, you would be able to print at least 8 wall elements in a day. Of course, if you gain more experience, this number increases dramatically
    • How are 3D concrete printed structures reinforced?
      3D printed structures are reinforced with rebar. The rebar can be placed during the printing process, for maximum adhesiveness and speed.
    • Which software is used for 3D concrete printing and what are the benefits?
      The CyBe 3D Concrete Printers use in-house developed software, such as Chysel (our slicer) and Artysan (our robot controller software). Additional information can be found at https://cybe.eu/3d-concrete-printing/software/

    Material for 3D Concrete Printing

    • What kind of material is used for 3d concrete printing?
      Though the construction method is commonly known as 3D concrete printing, the used material isn’t exactly concrete. For 3D printing: we use mortar; specifically our in-house developed CyBe Mortar
    • What does 3D concrete printing material consist of?
      To print, we use mortar: a mixture that often includes additives like cement, sand, and water. Blending these materials creates a paste-like consistency, which can be printed.
    • What 3D concrete printing material does CyBe use for their systems?
      We recommend utilizing CyBe Mortar, a material rigorously tested and certified for its rapid set-time. Our CyBe Mortar Ready-Mix facilitates high-speed, high-quality printing. Through our cutting-edge technology and intelligent printing processes, we achieve a print width of 40 mm, significantly reducing the required material volume. Additionally, through our Partnership Program, CyBe Mortar can be produced locally by blending our concentrated CyBe PowerPack with regionally available resources such as cement, aggregates, and sand. It’s essential to note that our systems are specifically optimized for use with our proprietary material. However, clients retain the flexibility to use alternative materials if desired. Over our 10 years of printing, we have worked with a multitude of materials available around the globe. While we have yet to find a better printing material than our own CyBe Mortar, our equipment is capable of processing and printing with a wide variety of other materials as well.
    • How can I optimize material costs in 3D concrete printing?
      Our standard print layer width is 40 mm, which effectively minimizes material usage compared to traditional concrete walls or other 3D concrete printers. This inherently reduces the amount of material required. Additionally, through our Local Material Development Program, we empower our customers to produce CyBe Mortar locally by blending our concentrated CyBe PowerPack with regionally available materials such as cement, aggregates, and sand. This initiative not only reduces raw material expenses and transportation costs but also ensures the quality of the material, leading to optimal printing results.
    • Can I mix and use my own material with your 3D concrete printer?
      Yes, you have the option to mix and use your own developed material with our system. However, it is important to note that doing so carries certain risks. We cannot guarantee the system’s proper response and functionality, as it may be susceptible to issues such as clogging. Furthermore, we cannot assure that the material will yield the same high-quality print results as CyBe Mortar. It is essential to understand that using your own material will void the system’s warranty.
    • What are the technical specifications of 3D concrete printer material CyBe Mortar, such as strength and curing time?
      The technical specifications of CyBe Mortar include superior strength compared to traditional concrete. The mortars exhibit fast curing times, typically ranging from 3 to 25 minutes, depending on the specific type of mortar and the length of the print path. For wall elements printed with the CyBe Robot Crawler, a three-minute set time is optimal. The curing time of the mortar can be adjusted by varying the amount of retarder added to the mix. For a comprehensive overview of the mortar’s technical specifications, please refer to the CyBe Mortar datasheet available in our Knowledgebase in the CyBe Lybrary. You can find the link to our CyBe Lybrary at the top of your screen.