Aims Offers Innovative 3D Concrete Printing Course Series with Hands-On Training

The next 3D concrete printing lab will occur the weekend of October 17–19. This hands-on course at the Greeley Campus Applied Technology and Trades Center offers comprehensive, hands-on education, uniquely integrating 3DCP material science with coding and design.

The class covers the processes, equipment and concrete and additive printing techniques. Through lectures, hands-on assembly and live demos, participants learn to operate, troubleshoot and optimize 3DCP systems. This pairs with digital design and robotic execution. Students practice sketching, robotic manipulation and code generation to build 3DCP workflows.

The 3D Concrete Printing lab is in a setting similar to a construction site. Waterproof shoes that are composite or steel-toed are required. Aims provides hard hats, safety glasses and vests. Students should expect to get dirty.

Before students can participate in the hands-on lab, they must complete an online introduction course. This prerequisite provides essential knowledge about 3D printing technology for construction, best practices, safety and more. The online, self-paced classes are held monthly and begin on the first Monday of each month. 

Students Gain Early Access to a Growing Field

Earlier this year, Aims held the first 3DCP hands-on courses in collaboration with Alquist 3D to help train a skilled workforce for this new frontier in construction. Most of the students traveled from outside Colorado, since there are few opportunities to learn about this emerging technology. 

One of these students is Estelle Gonzalez. She and her husband launched their 3D construction printing company in California two years ago. Gonzalez sees 3D additive manufacturing as a solution to the state’s lack of affordable housing. Another benefit to this construction method is that it is a fireproof option for wildfire-prone California.

Through her online research, Gonzalez found that Aims is the only school offering formal education for this. “You can’t get a credential in it anywhere,” she said. Gonzalez believes that her participation in this program has helped her immensely. She felt that having this certificate had provided her with evidence of her qualifications and industry knowledge. “This is the only thing out there now, she said. “I am one of the few people who now have that certificate.”

Gonzalez found it beneficial learning from people who had extensive field experience. She also appreciated the small class size, which gave her a hands-on feel for the technology and allowed her to ask the instructors questions. “To have people who have done it and can respond was incredible.” Gonzalez was excited to have the opportunity to learn alongside others in this small, yet growing community. “The networking opportunities were fantastic,” she said. Gonzalez believes that the entire 3DCP needs to be collaborative as this industry grows. “We're gonna have to be flexible and share information. We're going to have to support each other within the community.”

She recommends that anyone interested in the field should take part in the courses Aims Community College offers. 

“It gives that initial exposure to what it looks like. So that you can decide if you want further training on this.”

Register Today

With the rise of 3D-printed homes, buildings and infrastructure offering more sustainable and cost-effective solutions, this training is ideal for anyone looking to break into the future of construction.

To register or learn more, visit aims.co/3d-concrete-printing. For group registrations or questions, contact continuingeducation@aims.edu or call 970-667-4611.