A Melbourne-based company has partnered with COBOD International to bring 3D printing technology for construction to Australia.
COBOD 3D construction printing could carve months off traditional homebuilding timeframes, streamlining labour and alleviating supply issues.
Under its partnership, Fortex will be the exclusive Australian distributor of COBOD International products including the BOD2 3D construction printer.
Fortex Chief Executive Officer David Lederer said COBOD 3D construction printers deliver faster, greener, more durable homes and commercial buildings, with greater design freedom than conventional building methods.
“Fortex is proud to be laying the foundation for a new construction paradigm in Australia with COBOD 3D printers,” Lederer said.
“This world-leading technology is the disruptor conventional building needs. It is not only the future of construction, it is the now.”
The 3D printer’s modular design is developed to fit most projects, using technology to control the extrusion of concrete, in accordance with the programmed build design. The fully automated process is predominantly conducted onsite.
While single and multiple storey domestic projects will be the prime application, concrete and mortar 3D prints outside of home construction are also possible with wind turbine towers already having been printed by the COBOD BOD2.
COBOD Asia Pacific Regional General Manager Simon Klint Bergh said the company is proud to partner with Fortex to bring the 3D construction printing technology to Australia.
“This arrangement, together with our new distribution partners Siam Cement in Thailand and KA Bina in Malaysia and our new regional office in Malaysia, will mean that we penetrate the growing market in Asia Pacific even further,” Bergh said.
The first BOD2 3D Construction printer is expected to arrive in Australia in Q4 with COBOD equipment available for immediate order.