Voxeljet and ParaStruct: 3D printing of recyclable, processed construction waste for mold making

In an initial proof of concept, 3D printer manufacturer voxeljet and Austrian company Parastruct have successfully investigated the processing of recycled, biogenic and mineral waste materials from the construction industry using binder jetting 3D printing.

This breakthrough utilizes voxeljet’s Binder Jetting technology in combination with the innovative Ecomould material set from Parastruct, an Austrian start-up. Ecomould, a mixture of biogenic production residues from the construction industry and a mineral binder, enables the production of sustainable molded parts that can be used in interior design or for lamination processes.

The application of this technology on voxeljet’s VX200 – a 3D printing system specifically designed for research and development purposes – marks a significant step forward in sustainable production techniques. Parastruct GmbH, based in Innsbruck, Austria, provides the Ecomould material set, a solution that enables the reuse of unused mineral bulk materials and biogenic resources in the value creation process.

This development comes at a critical time as the construction industry looks for ways to reduce its environmental impact and meet increasing legal and societal demands for sustainability. The use of Ecomould could not only lead to significant cost savings by reducing disposal costs, but also optimize overall profitability through reduced resource expenditure.

The benefits of Ecomould are manifold: a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional sand-phenolic resin molds and the ability to shred and reuse the molds after use, further reducing the carbon footprint. The flexibility of voxeljet 3D printers, which can be adapted to different material sets, and the ability to scale results to larger printers make this technology particularly attractive to the construction industry.

Given the growing importance of sustainability goals and the need to comply with the EU Green Deal, this proof of concept represents a significant step forward. By integrating 3D printing technologies into the construction industry cycle, companies can not only improve their environmental footprint, but also develop new, innovative products and processes that meet the demands of a more sustainable future.

Parastruct and voxeljet are now looking for partners to further advance the development of this technology and promote a more sustainable approach in the construction industry. This approach promises to fundamentally change the way we build and produce by reducing waste, conserving resources and increasing efficiency.