Black Buffalo 3D specializes in 3D construction printing technologies designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry. Headquartered in New Jersey, the company integrates large-scale 3D printers, certified construction materials, and expert consulting services to deliver faster, cost-effective building solutions without compromising structural integrity or quality. In an interview with 3Druck.com, CTO George Perry highlights how additive manufacturing is transforming construction and discusses Black Buffalo 3D’s initiatives to promote its adoption through innovation, workforce training, and customized solutions.
At the heart of their innovation is the NEXCON printer series, which employs modular gantry systems capable of constructing multi-story buildings directly on-site. These printers utilize Planitop 3D, a specially engineered construction material developed in collaboration with MAPEI, sold throughout North America as Planitop 3D. The material meets the rigorous ICC-ES standards, which define technical criteria and testing procedures for the safety and stability of 3D-printed structures, ensuring the durability and reliability of printed walls. Black Buffalo 3D has expanded its partnerships globally with regional materials and construction partners, who further customize and manufacture its materials locally to suit various environmental conditions, such as extreme temperature and humidity. This allows it to be used in a wide range of geographic regions, further improving sustainability.
The company has successfully completed several projects, including earthquake-resistant duplex homes in Illinois and infrastructure projects in South Korea. By enabling significant savings in construction materials and labor time, their technology provides a practical alternative to traditional methods. Black Buffalo 3D also collaborates with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to create affordable housing solutions for local communities.
In addition to its technology, the company emphasizes training programs to prepare a skilled workforce for adopting 3D construction printing. By integrating material science, automation, and hands-on project implementation, Black Buffalo 3D is expanding the reach of 3D printing technology across various construction applications.
Interview with George Perry
In the interview with 3Druck.com, CTO George Perry discusses how additive manufacturing is transforming construction by introducing automation, robotics, and advanced materials, while also addressing challenges like adoption costs and regulatory standards. He highlights Black Buffalo 3D’s commitment to innovation, training, and providing tailored solutions to make 3D construction more accessible and efficient across diverse building projects.
In your opinion, how significantly is additive manufacturing reshaping the construction industry?
CTO George Perry
It’s a breath of fresh air in an industry that has been following many of the same methods over the past 100 years, with limited improvements in total build time or building performance. At a micro level, projects that incorporate additive manufacturing see immediate benefits in freedom of design, the ability to customize walls with purpose—aesthetic and functional—and, from our experience, positive responses from areas showcasing 3D construction as all or part of their projects.
Additive manufacturing is also attracting a fresh workforce to the construction industry by bringing robotics, advanced materials science, and digital design into what is historically a very manual and difficult trade. With Black Buffalo 3D’s offerings, we have committed to meeting local regulatory and building criteria, establishing regional material partners, and working alongside established builders before selling or bringing a machine to a new country. This approach ensures trust among builders and the ultimate owners of Black Buffalo 3D-printed homes, buildings, and infrastructure.
Black Buffalo printers rely not only on advanced technology but are also designed to work with proprietary, fully tested materials that have been developed over half a decade of R&D, data analysis, Intertek and ICC-ES testing, and real-world printing to ensure consistent results in any environment.
What are the main challenges to the adoption and advancement of innovative construction technologies such as 3D printing in the housing sector?
In the past, there was a high cost of entry to start a 3D construction printing company or division. Printers cost upwards of $1M USD, and there was very little testing of the technology or how the market would react. When BB3D became the first in the world to meet ICC-ES criteria for printing structural walls, we overcame one of these challenges. In recent months, Black Buffalo 3D has taken efforts to increase the adoption of 3D construction a step further. Our team evaluates upcoming construction projects and offers a Print-As-A-Service model, where we analyze designs, suggest ways to maximize benefits through 3D, and provide a quote to send a printer, print team, and materials to any site to print the superstructure of pilot projects. At that point, we can either convert the printer to a sale or continue to print as a service, depending on what works best for companies integrating 3D construction into their building plans.
Additive manufacturing has made remarkable progress in recent years. How has Black Buffalo 3D’s concrete printing technology evolved since the development of your first printed construction project?
The industry is still in its infancy. However, our decision to undergo ICC-ES testing meant we made many improvements and advancements to our materials, 3D construction printers, and techniques long before they hit the market. Our technology also captures data about the environment, job site conditions, material readings, and additional metrics that are analyzed to enhance and grow the level of automation with every new print. Recently, we have heavily invested in materials batching, mixing, and delivery, offering what we believe is the best complete 3D construction printing solution available.
Looking ahead, what impact do you think additive manufacturing will have on the construction industry and the global housing market in the coming years?
We are already seeing the impact of integrating robotics, CAD, and automation, particularly in attracting younger generations who might never have considered a career in construction. These individuals are applying for internships and opportunities in the field. Our printers can also extend the careers of skilled journeymen aging out of the industry by providing less physically demanding options for those who want to remain in the workforce. This combination of young workers and experienced builders, together with automated 3D construction, will help eliminate worker shortages, shorten build times, and, with increased volume, bring down costs. Additionally, 3D construction allows for customization tailored to the needs of homeowners with simple digital programming changes rather than complex engineering adjustments. We are excited for upcoming projects, knowing each one creates new opportunities and inspires more confidence in 3D construction.
Here you can find more information on Black Buffalo 3D.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPresso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more