Australia’s construction industry is on the cusp of a 3D printing revolution.
Melbourne-based company Fortex has inked an exclusive partnership with COBOD International to bring the world-leading BOD2 3D construction printing technology to Australian shores.
Fortex CEO 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.”
COBOD 3D construction printing will carve months off traditional homebuilding timeframes, streamlining labour and alleviating supply issues at a time when skills and material shortages plague the conventional housing construction industry.
Under its partnership, Fortex will be the exclusive Australian distributor of COBOD International products including the BOD2 3D construction printer.
Danish-based COBOD is at the forefront of 3D construction printing globally, with projects across six continents.
COBOD is headquartered in Denmark and count world leading companies like General Electric and PERI among their shareholders. COBOD has an Asia-Pacific regional office in Kuala Lumpur.
COBOD Asia Pacific regional general manager, Simon Klint Bergh, said the new arrangements provides the company with a stronger Asia Pacific footprint.
He said the company also has new distribution partners Siam Cement in Thailand and KA Bina in Malaysia and COBOD opened a new regional office in Malaysia.
The 3D printer’s modular design is developed to fit most projects, using innovative 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.
“We are talking about smarter, better, faster building,” Lederer said. “And that means improved outcomes for building companies and consumers.”
The first BOD2 3D Construction printer will arrive in Australia in Q4 with COBOD equipment available for immediate order.