TESTIMONY - Termix-3D Factory – Its Ambition, and Why?

Termix-3D Factory – Its Ambition, and Why?

Because 3D printing is constantly evolving, numerous innovations are emerging in the market. The new Termix-3D factory is a perfect example of this. Why and how was it created? How does it operate? And ultimately, what are its operational and future goals?

Through the vision of Antoine Urquizar and Estelle Hynek, who are leading the Termix-3D project, let's explore together how this revolution will sustainably transform the construction sector through 3D printing.

• 1

  What is Termix-3D? Can you introduce the company to us?

  Estelle: Termix 3D is a mixing facility that prepares premixes for 3D printing. Specialized in this type of materials, it enables the industrialization and commercialization of premixes developed in the laboratory. It can also offer the development of formulations for 3D printing of mortars, micro-concrete, and, more generally, 3D printing materials. Its name comes from "terre" (earth) and "mix," meaning a mixture of earth.

• 2

  What are the main products and technologies developed by Termix-3D?

  Estelle: Termix 3D is a factory specialized in and tailored for 3D printing materials. It enables local companies like Constructions-3D to produce and commercialize materials developed within their research and development laboratory.

• 3

  What types of projects does Termix-3D focus on?

  Estelle: Termix 3D aims to offer industrial companies the setup of various mixing facilities specialized in 3D printing across the globe. The main objective is to preserve the "local production" aspect of 3D printing materials. For example, the first facility, currently located in Mortagne du Nord (Hauts-de-France), industrializes the mortars formulated by the Constructions-3D laboratory, which primarily include materials local to this region.

• 4

  Who are Antoine Urquizar and Estelle Hynek, and what is their role in Termix-3D?

  Antoine: As a Civil Engineering graduate, I had the opportunity to found and become a partner in the companies Constructions-3D and Termix-3D. In the latter, I am particularly responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the factory and the compliance of the mixes produced by Termix 3D. Estelle: After completing a PhD through a partnership between Constructions-3D and IMT Nord-Europe, aimed at developing a low-carbon, printable mortar incorporating local materials, I joined the Constructions-3D team, specifically in the research and development laboratory. My role is to continue the formulation of 3D printing mortars. Alongside this, I work with Antoine to oversee the quality control of the mixes produced by the Termix-3D factory.

• 5

  Why was Termix-3D created? What motivated this project?

  Estelle: Currently, there are very few mixing facilities specialized in 3D printing materials worldwide, and especially in France. When we wanted to produce our first material in large quantities, we faced the lack of a qualified, available, and, above all, local facility. By creating the Termix 3D mixing plant, we enable Constructions-3D, among others, to industrialize and commercialize its materials.

• 6

  What is Termix-3D’s ambition in the 3D printing and construction market?

  Estelle: Termix aims to establish mixing facilities around the world to enable the industrialization of local 3D printing materials, which can be developed within the C3D Lab mobile research laboratories.

• 7

  Why did you choose to specialize in 3D concrete printing rather than another technology or material?

  Estelle: The Termix 3D factory was created within the 3D Group, which already includes Constructions-3D, a company that produces and sells concrete printers of various sizes. We aimed to develop a low-carbon material, but it was challenging to find available industrial partners for this type of material. To become self-sufficient in producing 3D printing materials, Termix naturally specialized in this category.

• 8

  What sets Termix-3D apart from its competitors in the 3D construction sector?

  Estelle: Termix-3D, in partnership with Constructions-3D, offers a comprehensive solution for the additive manufacturing construction sector. This complete solution includes the material mixing plant, the development laboratory for these materials (the C3D Lab), the 3D printer, and its software suite.

• 9

  Why do you think Termix-3D will transform traditional construction?

  Estelle: The material is responsible for both economic and carbon costs, and Termix-3D addresses these two challenges. Namely, it reduces economic costs by manufacturing local materials and lowers the carbon footprint through tailored formulations. With the establishment of multiple facilities internationally, Termix-3D will enable 3D printing stakeholders to industrially produce and commercialize their materials.

• 1

  How did you develop the specific material for 3D concrete printing? What were the main challenges you faced?

  Estelle: The first material produced by the Termix-3D factory was developed during the research for a PhD thesis, conducted as part of a partnership between Constructions-3D and the engineering school IMT Nord Europe. 3D printing materials have very specific characteristics and properties.

• 2

  How does/will the Termix-3D factory operate on a daily basis?

  Estelle: The factory aims for a weekly production of 300 tons of materials. The production team ensures the proper operation and maintenance of the factory, while the quality control team monitors the compliance of the materials produced.

• 3

  How do you see the future evolution of Termix-3D? What are the growth plans and the next steps?

  Estelle: The long-term goal is to develop and supply mixing facilities worldwide to enable the production of local 3D printing materials. Antoine: Our main objective is to be able to produce our low-carbon, local material in large quantities and to commercialize it in Western Europe. We also want to offer our international clients low-carbon local formulations that they can produce in their own regions. Lastly, we are committed to providing our international clients with the appropriate production equipment for low-carbon 3D printing materials.

• 4

  How does Termix-3D contribute to sustainable practices in the construction sector?

  Estelle: Termix 3D enables the development of more eco-friendly, economical, and sustainable 3D printing materials, as they are locally sourced. The company also facilitates the industrial production and commercialization of the material.

• 5

  How do you see the evolution of the 3D concrete printing industry, and what role will Termix-3D play in it?

  Antoine: 3DCP (3D Concrete Printing) is creating a significant shift in the productivity of the construction sector. This advantage is growing daily and is likely to completely revolutionize construction methods in the coming decades. Termix-3D aims to support this profound change in the industry by providing 3DCP stakeholders with the most affordable and environmentally friendly printing material solutions. Termix-3D will enable 3DCP techniques to become ingrained in modern construction practices and to endure as a sustainable construction method on an international scale, while also helping to address the current housing crisis.

Faced with the growing demand for large-scale production of 3D printing materials and the lack of specialized facilities in this sector, both in France and abroad, the need was real and urgent. Confronted with this shortage of infrastructure, Constructions-3D quickly adapted to create a new offering: Termix-3D. The creation of the Termix-3D factory has made it possible to produce local 3D printing materials on an industrial scale, thus meeting the current needs of the sector.

For Termix-3D, the ambition is clear: to develop and establish mixing facilities specialized in 3D printing on a global scale while maintaining a responsible and local approach. The company also aims to strengthen sustainable development by designing low-environmental-impact materials, developed through its mobile research laboratory, the C3D Lab.

For Termix-3D, the new asset of Constructions-3D, the future looks promising. This collaboration ensures localized, optimized production and complete control over the manufacturing of innovative materials while meeting the specific needs of the sector.