Project: 3DNaturDruck
Role: Principal Investigator and Partner
Period: 01.07.2021 – 31.12.2023
Funding: FNR – Fachagentur für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe

3DNaturDruck: Design and fabrication of 3D-printed components from biocomposites/ filaments made of continuous and short natural fibres

The aim of this Research Project is to investigate 3D printing in combination with annually renewable natural fibres, in both short and continuous fibre filament format, and to apply this material-oriented technique to Architecture. Specific domains of research are related to filament development, as well as geometrical and structural differentiation of lightweight building elements, in conjunction with a robust fabrication system that combines fibre impregnation, deposition, and curing into a one-step process.

The novel contribution lies in exploring the application of 3D printed natural fibre-reinforced filaments, as well as their tools, in different architectural scenarios and evaluating their suitability for different uses. This will be done by means of an integrative design process, merging material research, structure analysis, architectural design and fabrication into a design-to-production workflow. This method will be tested throughout the research process by a series of demonstrators catered to different challenges (Interior Application, Exterior Application, Structural application). The expected outcome is to present a viable strategy by which this emerging material method may be used in large-scale architectural scenarios, a new territory for this particular natural fibre technique.

The project is a part of the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC (more about here)

TEAM (University of Stuttgart)
Jun.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arch. Hanaa Dahy
Vanessa Costalonga  

PARTNERS
University of Stuttgart, BioMat/ITKE
Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI)
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH)
Rapid Prototyping Technologie GmbH (RPT)
ETS Stange
3dk-Berlin
ATMAT Sp. Z o.o.

FUNDING
FNR – Fachagentur für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. FKZ: 2219NR163

DURATION
01.07.2021 – 31.12.2023