A consortium of three companies and a university has launched a groundbreaking project under the ZIM program (Central Innovation Program for SMEs) to develop form-flexible, sustainable insulation and absorption panels. The project is funded by the ZIM program and combines the expertise of GNS, Additivum, Lithium Designers GmbH, and the Institute for Printing Machinery and Printing Processes (IDD) of TU Darmstadt.

GNS: Pioneering in 3D Paste Printing

GNS is developing novel reaction mixtures for 3D paste printing. By processing biogenic raw and residual materials from agriculture, such as Magaverde® biofibers from biogas plants, along with minerals and other natural additives, GNS creates a multi-component system. These components interconnect and cure within the mixture, allowing the properties of the printed elements to be adjusted as needed. The resulting products are durable and can be recycled, used for energy, or biodegraded after use.

Additivum: Revolutionizing 3D Printer Construction

The startup Additivum from Darmstadt focuses on developing a 3D printer with a special feeding unit and mixing device. This ensures the homogenization of the components and prepares the resulting paste for additive manufacturing. The new 3D printer will be capable of printing large objects with maximum shape flexibility, making them competitive in the construction sector.

Lithium Designers GmbH: Expertise in Freeform Glass Facades

Lithium Designers GmbH offers an economic solution for freeform glass facades. With the developed Li3 method and in-house software Li3M, the company plans and certifies new and additively manufactured building products. Lithium Designers GmbH significantly contributes to the planning and implementation of innovative facade solutions.

IDD of TU Darmstadt: Research and Development in Large-Scale 3D Printing

The Institute for Printing Machinery and Printing Processes (IDD) of TU Darmstadt utilizes its comprehensive knowledge and methods to characterize materials and optimize the new printing process. Focusing on extrusion-based large-scale 3D printing, IDD significantly advances the technologies in the construction industry.

The project “Development of Form-Flexible, Manufacturable Insulation and Absorption Panels from Sustainable Natural Fibers Using Additive Manufacturing and Parametric Design” represents a significant step towards sustainable building innovations and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.