3D printing of Portland cement using a binder jetting system

Abstract

This paper presents proof of the concept that Portland cement can be used as a material on a commercial binder jetting system. Sixteen cylindrical specimens were printed using different layer thicknesses and cured under different conditions. Both printing and curing followed a statistically designed experiment covering all possible combinations of the factors. The average values of the compressive strength and deviation from nominal height were used as response variables. Statistical analysis of the results supported the concept and suggested settings that would allow for maximum strength and minimum deviation from the nominal height. The concept appears to have several potential applications in restoration projects and the construction industry.