The world’s first underwater 3D printing system and single-mix concrete formulation that eliminates chemical accelerators have been created in Australia.
Luyten designs and manufactures 3D construction printers in Australia and teamed up with researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) to achieve the historic milestone.
Together, they created Australia’s first underwater 3D concrete printing system and introduced a world-first single-mix concrete formulation which remains stable and eliminates the need for chemical accelerators in underwater 3D printing.
UOW project lead and senior lecturer, Dr Aziz Ahmed, said the single-mix solution is not only theoretically sound but it’s practically viable.
“It offers the structural integrity needed for real-world application while simplifying the logistics of underwater deployment,” he said.
The technology, Luyten said, extends beyond land-based applications into underwater environments that have traditionally been expensive, difficult or unsafe to access. Their range of 3D printers is aptly named Platypus.
“This is a completely new chapter for construction and manufacturing. Printing underwater fundamentally changes how we think about building, repairing, and strengthening critical infrastructure in marine environments,” Luyten CEO Ahmed Mahil said.
“We’re moving beyond what’s possible on land. Underwater 3D printing allows us to address infrastructure resilience where it’s needed most, below the surface, whether that’s ports, wharves, defence applications, or other subsea assets.”
Mr Mahil went on to say that this underwater innovation in 3D concrete printing is an “early rehearsal for extraterrestrial construction”.
“By learning to print in harsh, resource-constrained environments and using in situ materials rather than refined inputs, we are building the knowledge and technology needed for building on the Moon using lunar regolith as a building material.”
About the author
Desi Corbett
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Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com