an integrated mixer and nozzle device for a 3D printer of building construction components includes: a support; a mixer disposed inside the support to mix a first material and a second material together to produce a flowable mixture; a conveyor directly connected to the mixer to convey the flowable mixture in a first direction; and a nozzle directly connected to the conveyor to extrude the flowable mixture and to discharge the extruded mixture in a second direction different from the first direction.

A Mortar Delivery System is described. The Mortar Delivery System provides precise control of the delivery and application of mortar in addition to the mixing and tempering of mortar. Such control eliminates the use of a hand trowel in brick, block and stone laying applications. Sensing and control are integrated with the Mortar Delivery System to make it an important element of a robotic brick laying system. The Mortar Delivery System contains sensors to measure mortar viscosity and workability, mortar flow rate, and mortar nozzle pressure. The data from the Mortar Delivery System sensors can be used to change the rotational speed of the shear blades, change the amount of water being used for mixing or tempering, and change the delivery speed of the mortar. Such changes result in precise control of mortar that is in turn suitable for automated or semi-automated building processes.

A bucket assembly for a construction vehicle, having a body with a bottom wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall defining a cavity therein, the first side wall having a discharge outlet. A metering system includes an auger moveably attached to the body along a pivot axis within the cavity. The auger has a motor end and a discharge end. A motor engages with the motor end of the auger and is configured for variable movement of the auger about the pivot axis in a first direction for metered dispensing of a construction material through the discharge outlet, and a second direction for controlled mixing of the construction material within the cavity.

A slurry dispense system utilizes a buffer chamber to release the pressure from the supply pump, and buffer the irregular flow rate of the supply pump. It also utilizes a positive displacement pump to control the dispense flow. With the help of the buffer chamber, the positive displacement pump is able to provide a constant flow rate, and can be accurately controlled. A high resolution and a high speed can be achieved at the same time.

A slurry dispense system utilizes a buffer chamber to release the pressure from the supply pump, and buffer the irregular flow rate of the supply pump. It also utilizes a positive displacement pump to control the dispense flow. With the help of the buffer chamber, the positive displacement pump is able to provide a constant flow rate, and can be accurately controlled. A high resolution and a high speed can be achieved at the same time.

A Mortar Delivery System is described. The Mortar Delivery System provides precise control of the delivery and application of mortar in addition to the mixing and tempering of mortar. Such control eliminates the use of a hand trowel in brick, block and stone laying applications. Sensing and control are integrated with the Mortar Delivery System to make it an important element of a robotic brick laying system. The Mortar Delivery System contains sensors to measure mortar viscosity and workability, mortar flow rate, and mortar nozzle pressure. The data from the Mortar Delivery System sensors can be used to change the rotational speed of the shear blades, change the amount of water being used for mixing or tempering, and change the delivery speed of the mortar. Such changes result in precise control of mortar that is in turn suitable for automated or semi-automated building processes.

A method for 3D printing a construction using a printing unit includes obtaining a precursor printing material, the precursor printing material including a binder, water, and sand; forming a flow of the precursor printing material towards the printing unit using a material pump; adding downstream of the material pump an amount of a first additive to the precursor printing material; optionally adding one or more additional additives; mixing the precursor printing material, the first additive and the optional one or more additional additives to form the printing material; and extruding the printing material via the printing head.