3D printing technology from Reichenbacher Hamuel and LEHVOSS Group in formwork construction

The companies Reichenbacher Hamuel and the LEHVOSS Group are setting new standards with their pioneering development work in the field of formwork construction. The use of innovative 3D printing technology will supplement the conventional production of construction formwork in the future, enabling a significant increase in efficiency and flexibility in the construction industry.

The houses of the future will be characterized not only by their architectural design, but also by the sustainability of the materials used. Although concrete continues to play a central role in construction, the conventional production of timber formwork is increasingly limited, especially for complex and individual building shapes. Reichenbacher Hamuel and the LEHVOSS Group have managed to overcome these limitations through the use of 3D printing.

At the heart of this innovation is the HybridDX-LT system from Reichenbacher, which can efficiently print components up to a size of 1,700 x 900 x 600 mm. Immediately after printing, CNC machining takes place with a 5-axis milling unit, which ensures the necessary accuracy and surface quality. This combination of 3D printing and CNC machining enables the production of complex building elements such as stairs, balconies and walls, which were previously almost impossible to realize. The technology not only allows the reproduction of rounded and multi-curved contours, but also the integration of cavities and support structures.

A major advantage of this method is the technical plastic granulate LUVOTECH eco PC/ABS from LEHVOSS. This material is based on recycled materials from post-industrial sources and has a low CO2 footprint. It is easy to process, offers high strength and can withstand temperatures of up to 120 °C. The granules are applied at an output rate of 8 kg/h and produce formwork that can withstand the high temperatures and pressures of concrete processing.

The new technology also offers impressive flexibility, as formwork can be created directly from CAD drawings. For a component that holds 200 kg of concrete, the printing time for a concave molded part is around 6.5 hours and for a convex part 8.5 hours, followed by a 2.5 hour milling process. This efficiency significantly reduces production times and costs.

Another advantage of printed formwork is its sustainability. They can be used several times and can be recycled at the end of their life cycle. LEHVOSS also offers plastics based on renewable raw materials such as castor oil, which is obtained from the seeds of the tropical miracle tree and grows on soils that are not suitable for food crops.

The combination of HybridDX-LT technology and the environmentally friendly plastic granulate LUVOTECH eco PC/ABS opens up new possibilities for the construction industry. The customized designs, sustainable materials and flexibility in the production process will significantly change the industry in the coming years.