New impact printing technique builds structures rapidly without using cement

Impact printing builds sustainable structures using earth, not cement.

: Impact printing by ETH Zurich uses earth materials for sustainable construction, avoiding cement's environmental impact. The robotic method quickly deposits earth mixtures at 10 meters per second, forming strong bonds without drying time. This technique enables customizable designs and supports significant loads while remaining eco-friendly. The team aims to commercialize and refine the process further, with market entry expected within three years.

ETH Zurich researchers have developed an innovative approach called impact printing, which uses earth-based materials for construction instead of cement, reducing carbon emissions. This method involves rapidly depositing tiny portions of a specially formulated earth mixture at high velocities, up to 10 meters per second, to build sturdy structures efficiently without adhesives or drying time.

The earth mixture primarily uses local materials like soil, silt, and clay, requiring only 1-2 percent mineral stabilizer, much less than traditional concrete. Impact printing does not require material solidification pauses, allowing faster creation of customizable designs and complex geometries, while supporting significant structural loads.

The technology has achieved notable success, such as winning the 3D Pioneers Challenge in 2023, and plans are underway to commercialize it. The team envisions its use in both off-site and on-site construction, aligning with autonomous machinery like the custom HEAP excavator, anticipating market availability within three years.

Impact printingEarth materialsConstruction