Pellet-X: Revolutionizing Construction with 3D Printing

Designers Fan Wu and Hao Meng Introduce a New Era of Building Technology

The inspiration behind Pellet-X lies in the need for flexible, efficient, and accurate construction. The 3D printing gun is designed to work with 6-axis and above industrial robots, enabling the printing of large construction components and structures. By importing 3D data information of the building model into the printing and processing master control platform, users can easily control the process and achieve high accuracy and efficiency.

What sets Pellet-X apart from traditional 3D printers is its unique design and adaptability. The multi-faceted bending, hollow patterns, and other decorations change the bulky feeling of traditional sheet metal parts. The design of hollow surface overlaying clear parts allows users to see the inner workings of the printer. Moreover, the device can work with a wide range of printing materials, reducing the cost by 75% compared to wire printing. The main printing material of Pellet-X is PETG, but it also supports the printing of a variety of mainstream materials and their modified products.

The realization of Pellet-X involves advanced hardware and software technology. The 6-axis and above control system offers greater freedom and flexibility in the printing process. The device can print complex shapes and large components rapidly, even hollow three-dimensional structures, while ensuring the load capacity of space structures. The user-friendly interface allows general workers to easily operate the industrial robots, reducing training costs. The machine also adjusts parameters such as real-time extrusion volume, cooling volume, feed volume, and temperature during the printing process.

The Pellet-X project started in June 2018, with its first generation completed in August 2019 and the second generation delivered to customers in June 2020. The design was driven by the need for 3D printing solutions in the construction field to meet the demands of large size components and output. The designers overcame challenges such as screw discharge, insufficient cooling, untimely material supply, poor exhaust, and jamming during the printing process to realize the integrated molding of architectural 3D printing.

For their innovative design, Fan Wu and Hao Meng were awarded the Golden A' Robotics, Automaton and Automation Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is granted to creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, advance art, science, design, and technology, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, the Pellet-X construction 3D printing gun represents a significant leap forward in construction technology. By combining innovative design with advanced technology, Fan Wu and Hao Meng have created a tool that not only meets the demands of the construction industry but also sets a new standard for future developments.