Click to Tweet: Applauding @XtreeE in Leading a
#3dprinting Revolution in #AEC | @3DSAEC
Even as digital technology is transforming AEC processes, emerging digital platforms stand poised to transform construction products themselves.
Paris-based XtreeE is seeking to lead an industrial revolution in construction, civil and mechanical engineering by using 3D printing for large-scale architectural applications.
Through integrated consulting, manufacturing and technology, XtreeE provides education on how to use additive construction in the construction industry, while also developing end-user solutions and the technology needed to fabricate products.
Watch this 360-degree video to experience the process of designing and 3D printing a concrete structure:
(Tip: Use the directional controls to pan around the room as the video plays.)
Click to Tweet: [VIDEO] Watch
@XtreeE #3dprinting in action
XtreeE’s Exploration of Additive Printing
Led by Philippe Morel, architect and founder of EZCT Architecture & Design Research, the group brings together architects, civil engineers, material research engineers, scientists and roboticists.
The possibilities—including structural pillars, truss structures and walls—that XtreeE present are promising.
3D Printing as the Future for Construction
The concept of using additive construction to manufacture building components may be the next step in the evolution toward prefabrication.
By prefabricating building systems, AEC teams are able to more rapidly deliver quality products at reduced costs.
Additive construction takes those benefits a step further. It allows fabricators to produce highly complex one-off shapes at a controlled cost. It provides incredibly high precision for each component at levels of less than 0.5 mm.
By using parametric design to create an optimized component, less material is needed, leading to lighter products and less waste.
XtreeE suggests that integration of these processes can reduce time to market by approximately 40%.
The Tools Necessary for Next-Level Innovation
Dassault Systèmes, in honoring XtreeE commitment to innovation and entrepreneurial applications for 3D printing and connected objects, supports XtreeE by providing design and simulation tools through the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab.
With our 3D simulation tools, the XtreeE team can optimizes the design and shape of their structures:
- Simulation enables advanced structural analysis and topological optimization, taking the properties of the new materials into account.
- Generative Design Exploration enables designers and architects to create biomimetic forms.
- Continuous additive manufacturing allows the roof and the walls to be manufactured simultaneously, together with built-in seating.
- Computer-programmed robotic fabrication enables a minimum use of concrete that balances optimal structural performance with sustainability.
Click to Tweet: #3DPrinting concrete structures
promises exciting new breakthroughs in #AEC
Celebrating a Concrete Achievement
To celebrate the XtreeE team’s latest achievement of producing a concrete pavilion using 3D additive manufacturing—the first construction project of its kind in Europe—Dassault hosted a ceremony in Velizy-Villacoublay, France on September 20, 2016.
At the event, Morel emphasized the importance of innovating with construction materials in order to advance the industry. He also pointed out how relatively rapidly concrete has evolved in just 200 years into a core element of our built environment.
Both the Dassault Systèmes and XtreeE teams are enthusiastic about continuing to develop AEC innovations in concrete using simulation tools and 3D printing.
Click to Tweet: Applauding @XtreeE in Leading a
#3dprinting Revolution in #AEC | @3DSAEC
