FAQ’s

SQ4D has built a ruggedized gantry-style 3D printer capable of building full-sized commercial and residential structures. ARCS was designed to outlast mother nature and all job sites. Our technology is not limited to buildings - if you can dream it, you can build it.

The printer is built from aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel; the machine is built to last.

Our system can extrude virtually any printable material; we currently specialize in mortars/concrete.

Printing in hot weather makes concrete more prone to cracking given that it dries out without fully curing. To combat this, SQ4D can use colder water within the concrete mix as well as moisturizing after layers have been printed. With the proper precautions, SQ4D can print concrete no matter the temperature.

Does a horse neigh? SQ4D's printer has the capability to print curves and with that, a circular house can be printed with our technology.

Plumbing installation begins as it normally would by excavating, installing plumbing in the ground, and backfilling with dirt. Next, after the footing and foundation have been completed, the slab is printed around the plumbing stub-ups. After the walls are printed, panels are created in order to provide access areas in the event that plumbing and wiring issues need to be resolved. On top of this, servicing from above is possible. Further on top of this, insulation remains pliable so taking out and replacing is not an issue.

When it comes to printing the footing of a structure, we can print to any depth required of a structure. The only thing that would need to be adjusted with the printer is the length of the nozzle extruding the concrete.

Once the interior and exterior walls have been printed, conduit stub-ups are installed prior to printing. After walls are completed, spray foam insulation is injected within the wall.

3D printing allows for the customization of many aspects of a home. One important aspect is the insulation and corresponding R value, or the measure of how well the wall resists the conductive flow of heat. 3D printing custom walls allows for changing wall width at no additional cost, which allows for more insulation and higher R values. Unlike traditional stick built construction where wall widths would be increased using larger and more expensive lumber (i.e. 2x4 vs 2x6 vs 2x12 etc.), the 3D printed beads can just be placed at different distances apart, thus increasing the energy efficiency in the home.

With 3D printing, SQ4D does not have to wait for footing to fully cure in order to begin printing the foundation wall. In fact, printing can proceed the very next day.