Abstract: A scalable three dimensional printing apparatus capable of movement along three axes includes a tractor assembly movable along a selectively extendable rail component. Wheels in the tractor assembly surround part of the rail component to enable movement of a gantry bridge in a longitudinal direction along the rails. A movable printing trolley moves horizontally along a gantry bridge and has a printing column which can move vertically. Because the gantry bridge, trolley, and printing column move orthogonally to each other, users may print in three dimensions. Selective extension of the rails allows a user to alter lengthwise printing scale.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional printing system which is capable of printing with multiple different printing materials, including homogenous materials, such as cement paste, or heterogeneous materials, such as concrete. Functionality is accomplished by novel, critical structures including but not limited to a movable gate capable of controlling the flow of printing materials without clogging or becoming otherwise damaged. The system has a print head that discharges printing material through a discharge aperture. The movable gate is rotatably connected to the print head, allowing it to cover the discharge aperture and cut off the flow of printing material when actuated and rotated into position. Certain embodiments also include hose positioning systems to prevent hoses delivering printing material from disconnecting or damaging the printed structure.

Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional printing system which is capable of printing with multiple different printing materials, including homogenous materials, such as cement paste, or heterogeneous materials, such as concrete. Functionality is accomplished by novel, critical structures including but not limited to a movable gate capable of controlling the flow of printing materials without clogging or becoming otherwise damaged. The system has a print head that discharges printing material through a discharge aperture. The movable gate is rotatably connected to the print head, allowing it to cover the discharge aperture and cut off the flow of printing material when actuated and rotated into position. Certain embodiments also include hose positioning systems to prevent hoses delivering printing material from disconnecting or damaging the printed structure.

Abstract: A scalable three dimensional printing apparatus capable of movement along three axes includes a tractor assembly movable along a selectively extendable rail component. Wheels in the tractor assembly surround part of the rail component to enable movement of a gantry bridge in a longitudinal direction along the rails. A movable printing trolley moves horizontally along a gantry bridge and has a printing column which can move vertically. Because the gantry bridge, trolley, and printing column move orthogonally to each other, users may print in three dimensions. Selective extension of the rails allows a user to alter lengthwise printing scale.

Abstract: A printable concrete composition is made from the combination of a solid mix, water, and various liquid admixtures. The solid mix includes quantities of aggregate, coarse sand, and fine sand in an approximately 1:1:1 critical aggregate ratio, as well as a binding agent present in a critical binding ratio. Solid admixtures include clay, fly ash, and silica fume. This solid mix may be prepackaged for later combination with the water and liquid admixtures. The solid mix combines with water at a critical water ratio ranging from approximately 0.44 to approximately 0.50. Liquid admixtures include flow control, plasticizer, and shrinkage-reducing admixtures. Once the printable concrete composition is prepared, a user may print a structure without further modification of the composition. Users may embed mesh between layers of the printable concrete composition to reinforce or stabilize the structure.