These may replace standard support columns one day

Feb 16, 2015 15:00 GMT  ·  By

We have seen our share of large-size 3D printers, but the one that ExOne has just introduced might be the absolute largest one ever created. You will be hard-pressed to find even one industrial-grade additive manufacturing robot capable of printing things in the same size.

Normally, a 3D printer has trouble making any objects larger, wider or longer than fifty centimeters, and most don't go beyond 250 mm.

On the consumer market at least. On the industrial front, robots might be able to go above that limit to an extent. Still, there is a reason most 3D printed objects are actually made from multiple 3D printed parts.

ExOne S-Max is a 3D printer that is so large that it can make objects the size of a phone booth. Not as wide perhaps, but definitely as tall.

The ExOne S-Max 3D printer

The printer has a build volume of 1800 x 1000 x 700 mm / 5.90 x 3.28 x 2.30 feet, which means it can create objects that are taller than most men. All in the space of 24 hours too.

Little wonder that 3Dealise is using the S-Max to make molds that can allow concrete to be poured in shapes previously too unusual to be practical. Sand printing technology is utilized.

You can see the example in the attached photo and video. 3Dealise was able to create concrete pillars shaped like a helix not unlike those of DNA strands.

Construction company Bruil worked with 3Dealise on this. Once the molds were complete, Bruil poured them full of concrete (even fiber-reinforced formulations was attempted) and then used pressurized water to remove the molds once the concrete had set and cured.

Practical applications

We probably don't really have to mention just how great this new pillar / column-building technique will seem to architects. Especially once the printer gets to flex its muscles more and begins to make molds for more sophisticated designs.

Not only are futuristic columns possible but the printer will also be able to help revive older ornamental elements, like seventeenth century artwork.

A bonus is that the same molds can be used for metal castings, not just concrete. Definitely a game changer in building design here.