DigitalArchi Provides 3D Printed Formwork for Asahi Billwall's GRC 3D-Shaped Object Manufacturing
DigitalArchi, a Keio University startup, has provided 3D printed formwork to Asahi Billwall. This will be utilized in the manufacturing of GRC objects, kicking off a demonstration project aimed at achieving complex 3D shapes and improving manufacturing efficiency.
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- 📰 Published: May 15, 2026 at 19:00
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DigitalArchi Inc. (Headquarters: Kamakura, Kanagawa; CEO: Yasutomo Matsuoka) announces that its "3D Printed Formwork" has been adopted by Asahi Billwall Co., Ltd. (hereinafter, AGB) for the manufacturing of 3D-shaped objects using GRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete).
■ Background for Adoption Consideration
Leveraging the characteristics of GRC, AGB handles numerous projects requiring complex and highly artistic designs. While exploring and verifying new formwork production technologies to realize such shapes, they took note of DigitalArchi's 3D printed resin formwork, which excels in shape freedom and manufacturing efficiency, leading to the initiation of this project.
■ Project Overview
GRC is a material that allows for the creation of complex and highly free-form shapes due to reinforcement with glass fibers. Therefore, it has a very high affinity with the shaping freedom of 3D printed formwork.
In this project, we collaborated with AGB, a special facade engineering company, to produce a 3D-shaped object with the aim of exploring the possibilities of GRC and 3D printed formwork.
■ Project Features
Design to Achieve a Twisted Shape
After proposing several design policies, we ultimately adopted a columnar object that twists as its thickness changes, leveraging the characteristics of GRC and 3D printing.
To achieve this shape, we established a basic policy of a four-part formwork and proceeded with the design and data creation of the formwork while repeating test printing and post-processing verification three times.
Implementation of Multiple Prototypes
By making the formwork reusable, multiple castings were made possible, allowing for repeated verification of GRC composition and casting methods.
We actually reused the formwork more than five times and also conducted experiments and verifications on auxiliary materials, such as sheets to suppress layer lines and sealing tape for joints.
Practical Verification of 3D Printed Formwork
By mutually sharing the process from design to formwork design/printing, casting, and demolding, we clarified issues and areas for improvement for application in actual projects.
Specifically, we organized issues such as the impact of layer lines on the finish, positioning accuracy during formwork assembly, and measures for gaps at joints, leading to the consideration of feasible improvement measures.
■ About DigitalArchi Inc.
A startup from Keio University that solves on-site challenges in the construction industry with 3D printer technology and expands the possibilities of architecture under the mission of "Creating the 'how-to-create' of architecture." We aim to evolve architecture into a sustainable and creative industry.
In addition to 3D printer development technology, our members have diverse expertise in architecture, plastic materials, and resource circulation. Leveraging this cross-disciplinary knowledge, we challenge the new ways of architecture with unprecedented ideas and execution.
■ Company Overview
Company Name: DigitalArchi Inc.
CEO: Yasutomo Matsuoka
Registered Address: 1-1-14 Omachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Head Office: Keio University Shinanomachi Campus Bldg. 2, 9F CRIK Shinanomachi, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Established: June 1, 2023
Business Content: Manufacturing of resin formwork for concrete for construction using large-scale 3D printers
Company Website: https://www.digital-archi.com/
■ Contact for Recruitment Inquiries
Recruitment: joinus@digital-archi.com
■ Background for Adoption Consideration
Leveraging the characteristics of GRC, AGB handles numerous projects requiring complex and highly artistic designs. While exploring and verifying new formwork production technologies to realize such shapes, they took note of DigitalArchi's 3D printed resin formwork, which excels in shape freedom and manufacturing efficiency, leading to the initiation of this project.
■ Project Overview
GRC is a material that allows for the creation of complex and highly free-form shapes due to reinforcement with glass fibers. Therefore, it has a very high affinity with the shaping freedom of 3D printed formwork.
In this project, we collaborated with AGB, a special facade engineering company, to produce a 3D-shaped object with the aim of exploring the possibilities of GRC and 3D printed formwork.
■ Project Features
Design to Achieve a Twisted Shape
After proposing several design policies, we ultimately adopted a columnar object that twists as its thickness changes, leveraging the characteristics of GRC and 3D printing.
To achieve this shape, we established a basic policy of a four-part formwork and proceeded with the design and data creation of the formwork while repeating test printing and post-processing verification three times.
Implementation of Multiple Prototypes
By making the formwork reusable, multiple castings were made possible, allowing for repeated verification of GRC composition and casting methods.
We actually reused the formwork more than five times and also conducted experiments and verifications on auxiliary materials, such as sheets to suppress layer lines and sealing tape for joints.
Practical Verification of 3D Printed Formwork
By mutually sharing the process from design to formwork design/printing, casting, and demolding, we clarified issues and areas for improvement for application in actual projects.
Specifically, we organized issues such as the impact of layer lines on the finish, positioning accuracy during formwork assembly, and measures for gaps at joints, leading to the consideration of feasible improvement measures.
■ About DigitalArchi Inc.
A startup from Keio University that solves on-site challenges in the construction industry with 3D printer technology and expands the possibilities of architecture under the mission of "Creating the 'how-to-create' of architecture." We aim to evolve architecture into a sustainable and creative industry.
In addition to 3D printer development technology, our members have diverse expertise in architecture, plastic materials, and resource circulation. Leveraging this cross-disciplinary knowledge, we challenge the new ways of architecture with unprecedented ideas and execution.
■ Company Overview
Company Name: DigitalArchi Inc.
CEO: Yasutomo Matsuoka
Registered Address: 1-1-14 Omachi, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Head Office: Keio University Shinanomachi Campus Bldg. 2, 9F CRIK Shinanomachi, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Established: June 1, 2023
Business Content: Manufacturing of resin formwork for concrete for construction using large-scale 3D printers
Company Website: https://www.digital-archi.com/
■ Contact for Recruitment Inquiries
Recruitment: joinus@digital-archi.com