First 3D printing tower crane for high rise construction

Luyten Ascend A27 is a 3D concrete printer combined with a tower crane for high rise construction. Image: Luyten

Luyten claims its Ascend series A27 as the world’s first 3D printing tower crane for high rise construction.

This Australian 3D printing specialist already offers a range of gantry type concrete construction equipment for low rise buildings. Ascend is for multi-storey buildings standing up to 100 metres tall and for large area developments.

It combines the reach of a tower crane with large scale concrete additive manufacturing, the company explained. Automation of the construction process takes a major step forward with this development. The print path followed by the crane runs automatically.

Faster and more efficient automated construction with 3D concrete printing with the help of a special tower crane. Image: Luyten

Multiple benefits

Luyten said it will shorten construction time, reduce waste and require less labour.

In addition to the height, the 4 tonne capacity tower crane allows the concrete printer head to reach a radius of 45 metres from one installation position. The 3D printer unit suspended from the trolley of the crane weighs 1.9 tonnes.

Crane erection and set up can be done in one or two days, the company said, also making repositioning on site a practical proposition if necessary. Its maximum operating wind speed is given as 20 metres a second.

Applications include apartment block construction, commercial buildings, factories and public infrastructure.

Check back at CTB for more information as it becomes available.

Buildings can be up to 100 metres tall. Reach of the 4 tonne capacity slewing tower crane can be up to 45 metres. Image: Luyten