That’s right, yet another concrete 3D printing start-up has emerged on to the scene, aiming to capitalize on the growing hype around the technology’s potential in construction.
Over the last decade, Barcelona-based Arriditive has been developing ways of automating and improving the sustainability of precast concrete production. Having secured €500,000 in pre-seed funding, the firm now anticipates being able to accelerate the development of a proprietary technology designed to address these challenges head on.
Ahead of a public launch event scheduled for Spring 2025, Arriditive plans to pass several R&D milestones, including a key proof-of-concept testing phase. Company co-founder Arnau Cumelles is confident the trial will “showcase the great potential of its technology,” but let’s not forget that there are plenty of others promoting the same construction benefits.
Gantry systems like COBOD’s have also been demonstrated around the world – from Saudi to Copenhagen – so Arriditive has got a long way to go if it’s going to compete.
The good news is that construction is an incredibly large industry worth trillions of dollars. As such, there’s a big enough pie, so Arriditive may one day get a slice. Bigger fish in this emerging space, like ICON, have also raised over $450 million, reflecting interest in the technology.
Then there’s 3D printing’s broader potential in construction. Though it’s mostly being used to erect entire buildings, it also allows for the more efficient manufacture of formwork molds, as BigRep has demonstrated, launching its own Forward AM formwork material.
With all this in mind, it’s no surprise Arriditive has managed to attract funding of its own. We’ll keep an eye on the company’s upcoming launch, it could be one to watch!
