bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1406

3D printing
3D printing
The Dutch company DUS Architects from Amsterdam
have developed a 3D printer that is ten times as big as
a conventional 3D printer. The giant printer is called the
KamerMaker (the Room Builder). It is integrated in a 20-foot
shipping container, oriented vertically upright. The purpose of
this machine is to print a complete house from a bioplastics
material. Originating from Amsterdam it proposes printing a
typical Amsterdam canal house.
“Different partners from a diverse range of industries work
together on this project, and we learn together by doing,” says
Hans Vermeulen of DUS architects, initiator of the project.
The premium partners invest in the project by contributing
knowledge and materials. The bioplastics material that the
company is currently using is called Macromelt, a type of
industrial glue (Hotmelt) developed by Henkel. It is made of
80% vegetable (rapeseed) oil. It melts at 170 degrees Celsius.
The aim is to print with a material that is sustainable, of
biological origin, melts at a relatively low temperature, and
of course is sturdy and stable. In addition, the material is
recyclable, so if a fabricated piece is slightly out of spec, it can
be ground up and reused.
The Kamermaker needs about a week to print one of the
huge, unique, honeycomb-structured blocks that can be
assembled together rather like Lego bricks. The parts are
later filled with a so-called eco-concrete. The concrete casting
has a twofold function; firstly to increase the compressive
30 bioplastics magazine [06/14] Vol. 9