The Progress Group, a specialist in precast concrete manufacturing and a (lesser-known) innovator in binder jetting technology, has unveiled its latest innovation in construction: the SPI (Selective Paste Intrusion) process. This new 3D printing technology brings more precision and flexibility to producing concrete components and opens new design horizons for architects and builders worldwide.
The binder jetting 3D printer developed at the Progress Group’s dedicated printing center in Brixen, South Tyrol, is at the heart of this innovation. Unlike conventional 3D concrete printing techniques that aim to construct entire walls or buildings directly on construction sites, the SPI technology is deliberately designed for off-site production. It focuses on creating subcomponents such as formwork, façades, balconies, and intricately shaped prefabricated elements. This strategy prioritizes quality, efficiency, and architectural freedom, offering builders a practical and scalable tool for modern construction challenges.
The SPI system operates on a simple yet revolutionary principle. A print head injects cement paste into a prepared powder bed made of aggregate. This cement paste is applied only where structural bonding is necessary. Once the bonding is set in the defined areas, a new layer of aggregate is deposited, and the process repeats. With each layer only three millimeters thick, the result is a meticulously detailed and structurally sound concrete component. This layered technique allows complex geometries to be created with high surface resolution, while the unbonded material serves as temporary support throughout the build process.
Manufacturing on Demand
The dimensions of the SPI printer’s job box—4 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 1 meter high—highlight its ability to produce large-scale, custom concrete elements that were once difficult, if not impossible, to fabricate economically. Because material is used solely in areas that require structural integrity, SPI also promotes sustainable construction practices by minimizing waste and reducing resource consumption.
Progress Group’s approach to 3D concrete printing is evolutionary rather than revolutionary. It extends and complements existing construction technologies rather than replacing them. The company emphasizes that SPI does not intend to compete with on-site printing methods that produce entire structures. Instead, it is an advanced tool in the construction toolbox, ideal for projects involving complex shapes or limited production runs that would be cost-prohibitive using traditional mold-based methods.
This technological breakthrough fits seamlessly into the Progress Group’s broader mission of improving living and working environments through innovative precast concrete solutions. The group designs and delivers machines, systems, and software for precast concrete plants, contributing to creating durable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing structures around the globe.
Headquartered in Brixen, South Tyrol, the Progress Group operates internationally, with branches in Germany, Belgium, the United States, Canada, Malaysia, and China. Its global footprint and technological leadership enable it to set new benchmarks in construction automation and precast manufacturing.
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Author: Davide Sher
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