Accucode, RCAM Team on 3D Concrete Printing of Offshore Wind Turbines

Accucode and RCAM Technologies are collaborating to develop wind energy components using 3D printed concrete. Accucode is a leading technology integrator and IT service provider and RCAM Technologies specializes in mega-scale concrete construction methods.

This announcement comes after RCAM Technologies secured $250,000 from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade's (COEDIT) Advanced Industries Accelerator Grant Program. The grant was awarded to RCAM Technologies for developing a 3D concrete printed wind turbine foundation that will reduce offshore deployment costs by up to $4M per foundation and $400M per wind plant. RCAM will use the funding to expand its 3D concrete printing capabilities at two partner locations: the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, CO, and Accucode's new facility in Colorado Springs, CO.

“This grant will allow us to establish large scale 3D concrete printing capabilities in Colorado and utilize NREL's world-class testing facilities to advance our technologies,” says Jason Cotrell, CEO of RCAM Technologies.

RCAM will first install a large-scale 3D concrete printing system at NREL where they will begin fabricating the fixed-bottom support structures for offshore wind turbines. After manufacturing and assembly processes have been tested, the 3D concrete printer will be moved to Colorado Springs for further R&D by Accucode's 3D printing divisions: Accucode 3D and The 3D Printing Store. Then, Accucode's team of engineers and concrete printing experts will use the equipment to develop and test 3D concrete printing for a variety of renewable energy and civil infrastructure applications.

“3D technology is in the process of disrupting how we make everything, including commercial construction. Accucode 3D and The 3D Printing Store are proud to partner with RCAM to lead the way,” says Accucode CEO, Kevin Price.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.