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46 CPI %u2013 Concrete Plant International %u2013 3 | 2025 www.cpi-worldwide.comThe vibration-modulated concrete printing nozzle newly developed by IAB Weimar in Germany uses targeted vibrations and gravity to optimize the 3D printing of thixotropic concrete. The printing process is expected to become more cost-effective, less maintenance intensive and easier to clean compared to extruder-based processes.The construction industry is changing, driven by new technologies and materials. 3D printing of concrete, in particular, could revolutionize the industry, as it offers the possibility of creating complex structures directly from printable concrete. However, there are high demands on the rheological properties of the concrete. The material must remain flowable during conveying and printing and quickly become dimensionally stable (green stability) after discharge without damaging the layers that have already been printed. Some commercially available material solutions rely on the addition of solidification accelerators, which, however, are difficult to dispense and can lead to blockages in the event of unintentional interruptions in the printing process. 3D printing mortars with very fine grain sizes are also not a good option for future implementation of the technology, since the required sustainability and reduction of the ecological footprint are neglected in these mixtures.Vibration-modulated 3D concrete printing nozzleCost-effective, low-maintenance and easy-to-clean printing process Laboratory test rig. Newly developed vibration modulated 3D concrete printing head.