3D concrete printing can add value to construction when it solves a specific manufacturing problem: a difficult geometry, a customised batch or a component that is costly to produce with moulds. Roger Uceda, co-founder of Aridditive, shares this perspective with Edgar Guerrero in episode 51 of Toque de Ingenio. The conversation connects materials, machinery and the business model to explain how a laboratory technology begins to become an industrial service.
Guest: Roger Uceda, co-founder of Aridditive and an expert in additive manufacturing.
Interview published: May 20, 2025. Episode: 51. Duration: 1 h 27 min.
In this episode:
- Why producing components in a controlled environment might be more beneficial than constructing an entire house on-site.
- How did Aridditive adapt after discovering that its clients preferred to receive finished components, rather than raw materials?
- What is the relationship between design, material formulation, process control, and manufacturing cost?
Roger and Edgar met during their time associated with the CIM (Center for Industrial Technology) at UPC (Pontificia Universidad de Chile). This shared experience allows them to trace the transfer of technology from research to business activity. The episode reflects Aridditive’s situation in May 2025, when Roger describes their initial commercial experiences and the challenges of organizing a production that was beginning to receive orders.
What can 3D printing offer to industrialized construction?
A printer capable of building walls is certainly impressive, but a home involves a multitude of materials, installations, and operations. Roger questions whether the ideal objective is to construct the entire building with a single machine. His comparison to other industrial sectors suggests considering components that are later integrated into a complete structure.
The location of the manufacturing facility also changes the problem. A machine operating outdoors is subject to fluctuating temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sunlight. If the process fails once a piece is already in progress, recovering the work can be difficult. Roger recalls experiences that made him pay close attention to these practical difficulties.
The alternative he outlines in the interview involves producing transportable items within a controlled environment and then delivering them to their destination. This approach allows for the organization of multiple machines, the preparation of materials, and the repetition of working conditions. This industrialization includes logistics and assembly, as well as the movement of the head/device.
That also doesn’t make 3D printing the ideal choice for every piece. When a simple element can be manufactured efficiently using a conventional process, switching to a different technology requires justification. The value emerges when geometric freedom, personalization, or reducing the effort associated with molds addresses a specific need.
From selling printers to delivering the parts a client needs.
One of the clearest takeaways from the episode is commercial. Aridditive began considering the sale of machinery. However, the type of client and the way they organized their projects led to this initial idea evolving. Buying equipment also requires having space, personnel, materials, and the knowledge to use it.
Roger recounts how they explored various approaches until they identified a more direct demand:
“They prefer that they have the parts made for them”.
Roger Uceda 18:20.
That change transforms the product the company sells. The client moves from acquiring a tool and instead orders a result. Aridditive needs to understand what needs to be produced, adapt the design, and take responsibility for the process of converting a file into a deliverable piece.
For a team developing machinery, this lesson is particularly valuable: the initial technical solution may be correct, but it could still require a different service model. Understanding how the client buys and uses the equipment helps determine whether it’s best to sell the machinery, rent out capacity, or manufacture it directly.
The material, head, and control form a single system.
Printing concrete requires addressing behaviors that compete with each other. The material must circulate within the feeding system and exit in a controlled manner, but also maintain its geometry when being deposited. A mix that flows well doesn’t necessarily need to support subsequent layers effectively.
Roger explains that his approach involves adding additives to the head to modify the material’s behavior during deposition. He also discusses monitoring process variables. The aim is to coordinate the feeding, removal, and stabilization of the mixture as the machine executes the planned trajectory.
The significance of this explanation lies in the integration. Designing an accurate machine is useless if the material doesn’t respond as intended. Similarly, an interesting formulation requires a system capable of dispensing and working with it reliably. The outcome depends on the combination and its conditions of use.
From the perspective of engineering and industrial development, The episode demonstrates why it’s important to jointly define both the requirements of the process and those of the team. Geometry, materials, automation, and maintenance are all interconnected. Separating them too early can inadvertently transfer a problem from one discipline to another.
The cost begins with understanding what piece the market is buying.
The conversation also shifts to the manufacturing economy. Roger suggests starting with the price and specifications of a component that the client is already familiar with. From there, it’s necessary to analyze which elements – the material, machine time, human intervention, and any necessary operations – contribute to the final result.
This way of thinking avoids simply measuring opportunity based on printing speed. A piece can be printed quickly, but it can still be uncompetitive if it requires extensive preparation, costly transport, or an expensive formulation. True productivity encompasses the entire process, from design to delivery.
The material occupies a significant position in that calculation. Roger highlights the economic difficulties associated with working with specialized formulations and relatively small volumes. The evolution of the production process needs to be accompanied by a supply chain capable of meeting demand and the anticipated costs.
The location of the manufacturing facility also plays a role: transporting concrete components impacts the service. Decisions regarding expanding capacity or targeting specific markets must consider this logistical burden. Growth requires establishing an industrial operation, in addition to securing new orders.
Design for printing and validate with a first order.
Receiving a three-dimensional model does not mean the piece is ready for production. Roger describes the work involved in adapting geometries and preparing the toolpaths. The shape must be compatible with how the material is extruded, with successive layers, and with the capabilities of the equipment.
For architects and manufacturers, this collaboration opens up both aesthetic and functional possibilities, but it also requires learning design rules. 3D printing offers freedom within certain process conditions. Understanding these early on allows for a focus on solutions that can be realized and replicated.
Aridditive is establishing a business relationship with other industrial companies. Roger explains that his focus is on producing for clients who understand their specific applications and markets. Urban furniture is presented as an easily visualized area, although during the conversation, he explores broader opportunities in custom components and elements.
The commercial approach involves understanding the client’s problem before a manufacturing trial. Regarding this initial work, Roger recalls that:
“It’s an investment you make”.
Roger Uceda 52:30.
The test makes sense when it helps to answer specific questions: if the geometry works, what finish is achieved, and how the component fits within the project. That’s also the value of working with prototypes Linked to acceptance criteria, rather than simply producing a visually impressive sample.
What can another development team learn?
- Choosing an application where additive manufacturing provides a clear and identifiable advantage over traditional processes.
- Check whether the client wants to purchase the technology itself, or to obtain the results that the technology enables.
- Developing materials, machinery, and design preparation as parts of a single production process.
- Using a pilot program to assess quality, cost, logistics, and expectations before scaling up.
The interview demonstrates the 3D concrete printing process as an engineering and industrial organization task. Its value lies in transforming a technical capability into a service that clients can integrate into their operations. For companies defining a new machine, component, or manufacturing line, i-mas can help to organize those requirements and move towards a viable solution. Tell us about your project. and the problem you need to solve.
To continue reading: How Novameat is approaching the production of plant-based meat using 3D printing..
Source of article: Interview with Edgar Guerrero, hosted by Roger Uceda on Toque de Ingenio, published on May 20, 2025. The quotes link to the relevant sections of the video; the “learnings” are a summarized and edited version of the conversation.
