JGC installs first COBOD construction 3D printer in Japan

JGC Holdings, a Japanese energy giant, established the EPX DX Department for digital transformation in September 2020. In April 2021 the company created a new DfAM Unit, as an organization to promote construction automation and 3D printing technology. Now the company is exploring construction 3D printing by introducing the first BOD construction 3D printer from COBOD in Japan and demonstrating its capabilities in a domestic project for full-scale introduction of 3D printers.

The Nikki Group is actively promoting the use of DX (digital transformation) with the aim of improving competitiveness. This demonstration is intended to be implemented as part of such efforts, it will be used by the domestic JGC Group EPC in the construction site of biomass-fired power generation facilities at the JGC Corporation Ishinomaki City, site in the Miyagi Prefecture,

The machine is supplied by Denmark’s COBOD International. Work has now begun to start modeling the structure and verify the implementation timeline including construction period, costs, quality, etc., and verify its effectiveness.

The JGC Group is actively working to create new value through synergistic effects with domestic and overseas start-up companies that offer innovative technologies. By introducing a 3D printer at the construction site, the company expects to increase the degree of freedom in the shape of the structures while integrating more varied parts. compared to the conventional method of assembling formwork and pouring concrete.

The company also expects to improve efficiency through a reduction of human labor by utilizing robots. That is expected to lead to further improvement of overall optimization in the EPC collective execution project, which is the strength of the JGC Group.

After confirming the effectiveness of 3D printers at domestic construction sites, JGC Group plans to proceed with a full-scale introduction to all construction projects, including overseas activities.