2 april 2026 57

Science is for the benefit of society: Kazakhstani scientists have developed a manipulator for a 3D printer

On the eve of Science Workers Day, celebrated on April 12, under "Science for the benefit of society" heading, Ministry of RK Science and Higher Education is presenting a series of videos on Kazakhstani scientists’ scientific projects.

Satbayev University scientists have developed a new manipulator technology that improves the accuracy of a 3D printer designed for the construction industry. The project is aimed at improving the 3D printing systems’ efficiency based on a concrete pump.

The elaborated solution ensures high-precision positioning of the print head and prevents deviations that occur during the laminated laying of concrete. The given technology simplifies the implementation and application of 3D printing in construction at the industrial level.

At the present time, gantry, serial, or cable robotic systems are mainly used in construction 3D printers to position the print head. However, such solutions are not fully adapted to the complex conditions of the construction site, including dust, vibrations and temperature fluctuations, and they are also highly difficult to calibrate.

With the purpose to solve this problem, the project partners, researchers at Dresden Technical University (Germany), suggested using a concrete pump as an alternative. Nonetheless, its open kinematic structure leads to parasitic deviations in the printing process, which negatively affects the accuracy of the structures being erected.

To eliminate these shortcomings, Satbayev University scientists have developed a special compensation manipulator, as well as a printing nozzle for working with concrete. In the course of the study, a comprehensive analysis of serial, parallel and hybrid manipulators was carried out. Based on the comparative analysis results, the delta-type parallel manipulator was chosen as the most effective solution.

Within the project, the necessary engineering calculations were performed and there was elaborated a full-fledged 3D model of the device. Then a prototype was made on a 1:1 scale, which passed experimental tests. During testing, the manipulator was tested with a load of 46 kg, which confirmed its functionality and load capacity. As a result, the device's operability and its ability to provide accurate positioning of the print head have been proven.

In line with the project’s scientific supervisor, PhD, associate professor Azamat Mustafa, the proposed solution makes it possible to effectively integrate existing construction equipment with new technologies.: "The manipulator we have developed improves the accuracy of the print head positioning and eliminates parasitic deviations. This opens up opportunities for widespread industrial applications of 3D printing in construction."

Study’s scientific novelty is the adaptation of the existing concrete pump to the tasks of the construction 3D printer due to minimal structural changes. The given approach makes it possible to reduce the need to purchase expensive robotic systems and effectively use existing equipment on the market. As a result, the total cost of 3D printers is reduced and conditions are created for technology wider adoption.

Project is being implemented within the framework of the grant financing program for 2023-2025 of Science Committee at Ministry of RK Science and Higher Education.