Listed cement producer Lafarge Cement Zimbabwe has said it expects to bring in its game-changing 3D printing technology in the third quarter of this year.

Zimbabwe is one of three countries on the continent (along with Malawi and Kenya) where the Lafarge-Holcim is pioneering the technology.

14Trees, a LafargeHolcim joint venture with CDC Group, a United Kingdom-based investor, is deploying 3D printing technology at scale to build affordable and low-carbon housing and schools in Africa.

“We anticipate that we will receive the printer in the third quarter through a subsidiary of Lafarge-Holcim called 14Trees and we look forward to the usual Government support in its
importation and subsequent approval for use,” said CEO Precious Nyika.

This week, the cement producer launched a new US$2,8 million dry mortar mix plant that will be producing the required 3D printing
ink for local projects.

3D printing is the molding of a structure by precisely placing volumes of material in sequential layers on top of each other, constructing from the ground up.

The material is pushed through a nozzle which regulates flow and is guided by computer-controlled positioning process. The material used in the process is cement based with sand and specially designed admixtures as additives.

“Lafarge remains committed to supporting the national housing development agenda through
the introduction of new, exciting, game changing technology to address some of the challenges with
traditional methods of construction – 3D printing.

“The benefits include increased construction speed; up to 70 percent faster than conventional method, enhanced sustainability as less materials are used (50mm thick walls versus 140mm) and affordability as construction costs are estimated to come down as much as 20 percent,” she said.

To showcase the capabilities of 3D printing, Lafarge Zimbabwe will construct 10 units in Knockmalloch under the affordable housing project that is currently underway.

“This project will afford relevant stakeholders to witness and experience the capabilities of this and innovative technology and it is
anticipated that this will attract more projects towards the use of the technology to provide decent
affordable housing starting in Malawi,” added Mrs Nyika.

“With its high speed of construction and optimized material use, this technology reduces the carbon footprint for building new homes by up to 70 percent.”