Abstract: A 3D printer with a lift mechanism is disclosed. The 3D printer is coupled to the lift mechanism which is in turn coupled to a base or the ground. The lift mechanism comprises telescopically extendable columns comprising concentric cylinders positioned within one another, so as to extend and collapse fully, thus raising and lowering the 3D printer to a specific height. The lift mechanism further comprises extendable and lockable diagonals which connect neighboring telescopic columns at their top portions in a helical fashion. The diagonals are installed for sturdiness and support as the lift is operated, as well as to position the lift at a desired height when the diagonals are locked in place. The lift mechanism may comprise 2 telescopic cylinder columns or 3 or more telescopic cylinder columns. The lift mechanism comprises at least a first stage and an intermediate stage, and optionally a last stage.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of automated 3D printing of buildings or structures and method of its operation. A 3D printer having an extendable boom arm with an extruder for extruding a concrete-based chemical solution moves with translational and rotational motion in an XOY plane. The extendable boom arm is mounted such that it is capable of height adjustment in a XOZ plane. The invention also regards a method for automated 3D printing of a building or structure using the 3D printer.

Abstract: A locking device for fixing a sliding element is disclosed. The locking device employs a cylindrical membrane surrounding a sliding rod element, where both the membrane and the rod are enclosed within a housing. The rod slides freely relative to the membrane until an oil pressure is increased within the oil chamber, the oil chamber being enclosed by the membrane. The pressure within the oil chamber causes the membrane to temporarily deform and press against the rod, thus fixing the rod in a particular position. When the oil pressure is lowered below a threshold value, the membrane returns to its original shape and the rod continues to freely slide within the apparatus. The membrane is very thin yet capable of repeatable use. The membrane spans continuously along the entire portion of the rod within the fixing region of the device, thus creating a precise and powerful fixing means.