CEMEX Ventures invests in 3D printing company COBOD

CEMEX Ventures (Cemex Group) is investing in COBOD, a global leader in construction-grade 3D printers. CEMEX and COBOD have been working together over the last year to innovate in the 3D printing space. Through this partnership, they recently introduced the first-ever 3D printing solution that utilises conventional ready-mix concrete in the building process. The solution can deliver significant savings versus traditional 3D printing construction methods and materials and has been implemented in several geographies.

Through this investment, CEMEX will strengthen its ability to use 3D printing technology and add another avenue to address housing needs. CEMEX and COBOD also intend to further develop innovative material solutions and building performance enhancements for 3D printing applications.

Current 3D printing construction methods rely on highly specialised and expensive mortars. CEMEX introduced a proprietary admixtures family called D.fab, which allows conventional concrete to be efficiently tailored for 3D printing construction. This admixtures innovation produces a more fluid and easier to pump concrete that facilitates 3D printing applications. COBOD’s printers and expertise, in combination with the admixtures, make it possible to implement a more efficient process that requires less material and utilises any concrete, claims CEMEX.

“The investment in COBOD reflects our customer-centric mindset and relentless focus on continuous innovation and improvement. Working with COBOD, CEMEX developed a customer experience in 3D printing construction that is superior to anything that has been provided in the past,” said Gonzalo Galindo, head of CEMEX Ventures. “Our innovation efforts position us at the forefront of new technologies that contribute to building a better future.”