In Žďár nad Sázavou, a farm for 3D printing with concrete has been established, and it aims to print a school as well

Žďár nad Sázavou – In Žďár nad Sázavou, the largest farm for 3D concrete printing in the Czech Republic is being established, which also ranks among the ten largest concrete printers in the world. Robotic workplaces are in the factory of ICE Industrial Services. With the help of 3D printing, the company in Žďár nad Sázavou aims to build a café and then a school. However, it wants to focus on the global market. This was stated by Tomáš Vránek, founder and director of ICE Industrial Services.

According to Vránek, the project is unique in that it focuses on the automation of construction. "Which is, according to many, the least modernized and automated area of human endeavor," he said. There is a long-term shortage of craftsmen and masons on construction sites.

The technology of 3D concrete printing will allow for the creation of rough buildings up to five times faster and can save up to 70 percent of materials compared to traditional casting technologies. "We believe that we could print the rough structure of a smaller house in three days," stated Vránek. The printed parts are hollow, and they can have diverse shapes. According to Vránek, potential applications in the near future include social housing or assistance in disasters. "We don't think we will be printing luxury villas right now," he said.

"Our biggest goal for the next two years is to print the first 3D printed school in the Northern Hemisphere," Vránek said. He noted that the first small school created with this technology is in Africa. In Žďár nad Sázavou, a café should be built first. According to Vránek, it will be a test object for obtaining certifications that homes built in this way will require. The tests will relate to materials, strength, or thermal-regulating properties, for example.

According to the design by architect Michal Postránecký, the private primary school Na Radosti should then gain new facilities using 3D technology. Vránek stated that this will be a charitable project. "We will negotiate with various partners about how they can contribute," he said.

The joint-stock company ICE Industrial Services supplies automated machines and lines to customers from the automotive industry, engineering, and other sectors. The business started in a garage and now has 170 employees. "After nine years of operation, we have completed 800 automation projects literally all over the world," Vránek said.

Behind the project operating under the brand ICE Coral is an innovation team that brings together leading Czech experts in 3D printing, concrete technology, and automation. The first pieces of furniture and modules for houses are already being printed at robotic workplaces. According to Vránek, the company wants to develop equipment that will print parts for houses directly at the construction site, using local materials.

Due to the connection between the academic and business sectors, ICE Industrial Services initiated the establishment of the European Institute for Materials, Automation and Construction (EIMAC), which will be located in Žďár nad Sázavou. Partners include the Institute of Construction Materials and Components, ETH University in Zurich, Czech Technical University in Prague, and companies such as Siemens, Mapei, and Sika.