Amerimix Blog
Amerimix’s 3D Printing Mortar Mix: Revolutionizing Affordable Housing
Amerimix, a division of Oldcastle APG, a CRH Company, has made a groundbreaking contribution to the future of housing. Their innovative 3D Printing Mortar Mix was recently utilized by New Standard Homes to successfully 3D print three concrete homes in Shiner, Texas. This achievement marks a significant leap forward in addressing the urgent need for affordable, efficient, and high-quality housing.
A New Era in Construction
This venture positions Oldcastle APG and Amerimix as leaders in the 3D printing mix industry, a crucial component as this technology continues to evolve. Jason Dean, SVP of Pro Sales at Oldcastle APG, emphasized the importance of this innovation:
“We are looking at cutting-edge technology to help shape the future of the building industry. We want to align with builders and developers to achieve their customers’ dream living spaces, while creating job efficiencies and cost savings.”
Building Homes, Not Just Houses
The goal of the build team was to expedite the construction of three test homes using the precision of bagged mortar formulated specifically for 3D printing. Rex Rizk, owner of New Standard Homes, shared his vision:
“We’re not just building houses; we’re creating homes that elevate living standards with cleaner lines, superior finishes, and greater durability. The goal is to set a new benchmark for sustainable, more affordable housing in architectural styles that folks want to live in.”
The Technology Behind the Success
Using a gantry-style 3D printer from COBOD, leased from PERI 3D Construction, the team utilized nearly 150 bulk bags of Amerimix’s AMX300 3D Printing Mix. This mix was custom-formulated in collaboration with the PERI team, showcasing incredible efficiency and resilience throughout the project.
The first 1,200 sq. ft. home took approximately six weeks to print, while subsequent 1,500 sq. ft. homes were completed in just 3 to 3.5 weeks. These improvements were achieved through continuous optimization of machine setup, layer time, and printing speed, with more enhancements expected in the future.
Looking Ahead
Rizk is optimistic about the future:
“New Standard Homes’ ultimate goal is to print one 1,500 sq. ft. house per week, which is entirely feasible with our new designs. Ultimately, concrete is a material that we believe in for its longevity, durability, and sustainability. This is the future.”
The New Standard Homes team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of construction technology. Rizk added:
“We are at the forefront of reinventing how our world is built. This technology is a key component of our vision to provide better homes for everyone.”
New Standard Homes is currently evaluating proposals for their next project. To learn more, visit New Standard Homes.