Thomas More classes 'Building with the 3D concrete printer' start at Kamp C

Their focus is on printing socially supportive prototypes, such as thresholds to make streets wheelchair-accessible or custom-made stairs. They do so with sustainable materials such as printing mixtures that contain less or no cement and whose production emits less CO2. The ambition of this collaboration between Kamp C and Thomas More college is to make Flanders a leader in concrete printing.

Thomas More and Kamp C have been working together for some time within the innovative field of 3D concrete printing. Now they are going a step further than just making concrete pieces. They want to create a training centre that prepares students and professionals for the future of the construction industry. Through hands-on training, research and collaboration with industry leaders, the college will thus become a reference point for innovation, sustainability and knowledge in 3D concrete printing. This calls for significant investment.

Lieve Gios, Construction Training Manager at Thomas More: "We strongly believe in the power of collaboration between academic institutions, companies and practice-oriented organisations. With our 3D concrete printer and plans for a training centre, we are determined to lead the way in this exciting and transformative technology."

Tailor-made for society

Camp C, as a partner in this venture, welcomes the college's ambitions. "It's a great step forward in our joint efforts to drive innovation and transform the construction sector," says Rob Cornelissen, strategic manager of Kamp C. "By partnering with Thomas More, we can mean a lot more, developing prototypes for companies and local governments." Helsen concludes: "The students will print things that fill needs in society. Think of supports to make thresholds on the street wheelchair-accessible, custom-made stairs in public spaces or artistic infills."

A sustainable challenge

On the other hand, the use of concrete is not without its drawbacks. The college wants to take this into account. The production of cement, an ingredient of concrete, emits a lot of CO2. That is why they are experimenting with new printing mixtures that contain less cement and are even looking for alternatives without cement. On Monday, the students will therefore start testing a new printing mortar sponsored by Heidelberg Materials. The German company designed a sustainable composition with larger aggregates and therefore with less cement.

Pioneering in concrete

Thomas More's plans to pioneer 3D concrete printing are thus promising. With a renewed focus and collaboration between academic institutions and hands-on organisations, the future of the construction industry in Flanders is exciting. Also curious? The university college gives a unique look behind the scenes of 3D concrete printing, including a walk through a real 3D-printed house.