3D concrete printing with Lithosys

3D concrete printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a breakthrough technology based on a simple principle. An extrusion robot applies specially formulated mortar, layer by layer, from a 3D digital model.

This revolutionary process:

- Creates complex geometries and organic shapes that are impossible to produce with traditional methods,
- Optimises material usage to reduce waste,
- Can connect 3D modelling (CAD) with robotics for precise automated production.

The Vicat Group leveraged its technical and scientific expertise to develop Lithosys, a solution to accommodate a whole host of uses and push the boundaries of concrete material. This expertise covers the entire 3D concrete printing value chain, from design to completion, making Vicat a major stakeholder in additive manufacturing for construction.

3D concrete printing offers new opportunities for several building and planning sectors.
The myriad of possibilities with 3D concrete printing opens a wide range of markets

• - Optimised use of concrete: “The right concrete in the right place” (up to 70% less material).
• - Performance and durability: A range of cement inks developed for their resistance and lower carbon footprint.
• - Custom design and personalisation: Almost endless architectural and structural design possibilities.
• - Productivity and savings: An automated process with no need for costly formwork systems. 

Materials :

• - Complete range of LITHOMIX materials
• - Performance tailored to applications
• - Constant focus on carbon footprint
• - Very high print quality control
• - Made in France

Technology :

• - Mixing – Pumping – Extrusion
• - Compatible with all new or existing systems
• - Custom development available

Software :

• - LITHOSIM software suite
• - User-friendly software developed according to needs
• - Integrated into Rhinoceros 3D
• - Compatible with all systems and robot brands
• - Custom development of industry-specific add-ons

Services :

• - Printing
• - Custom formulation
• - Prototyping, proof of concept
• - Support, assistance

Lithomix CARAT is a range of printable materials which offer optimal performance, allowing a material reduction of up to 70% and a significant drop in CO₂ emissions.

Check out the characteristics of our Lithomix ink range:

• - High resistance up to 60MPa
• - Single or two-component according to project requirements
• - Compatible with batch or continuous mixing
• - Excellent pumpability: from 3 to 15 L/min depending on the pump used
• - High constructability: up to 6 seconds between two 1K layers

Bespoke formulation according to applications and designs 
 

A production workshop 100% dedicated to customer support and service 

With Lithosys, Vicat continues its research and development work in the field of 3D low carbon concrete ink formulation, adapted to the requirements of current standards and regulations. The Group invested 2 million euros in a production and R&D unit dedicated to concrete 3D printing, located in Chambéry (Savoie, France), confirming its commitment to this technology of the future.

3D concrete printing significantly reduces construction times: faster than traditional methods depending on project complexity while preserving optimal quality.

3D printed concrete elements have mechanical compressive strength performance of up to 60Mpa, with the advantage of topological optimisation.

Yes, it is! Additive manufacturing reduces the volume of concrete used by 70%, reduces on-site waste and optimises transport because of local production.

Architecture, urban planning, prefabricated elements, emergency housing, heritage restoration, ecological mooring devices, coastal planning, marine infrastructure – 3D concrete printing is suitable for numerous applications in construction.