Japan-based plastic automotive components manufacturer Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. has invested in DigitalArchi, a Japanese startup.
DigitalArchi manufactures 3D printed formworks for the construction industry using recycled plastic. Formworks are temporary or permanent molds into which concrete is poured and allowed to set to create the desired shape and structure. They are essential in construction for shaping concrete into beams, columns, slabs, walls, and other structural elements.
Formworks are usually made of wood or metal and built by hand by construction workers. By replacing these materials with 3D printed structures using recycled plastic, DigitalArchi reduces the environmental impact of construction materials and saves on labor costs.
Recycled plastic formworks are resistant to moisture, warping and cracking, unlike wood, thereby reducing the overall cost and material demand over the life of a project. 3D printing also allows for intricate designs, enabling more creative architectural designs without requiring extensive manual labor.
As part of the collaboration, Toyoda Gosei will supply DigitalArchi with automotive components like painted or plated plastic parts to be recycled into filaments.
According to a statement on DigitalArchi’s website, the startup has recently raised 350 million yes ($2.25 million) in its latest funding round. Toyoda Gosei is one of the underwriters, alongside DBJ Capital and SMBC Venture Capital. The lead investor is Keio Innovation Initiative.
DigitalArchi did not disclose the value of Toyoda Gosei’s sole investment.
The startup plans to use the funds to acquire new talent and open a manufacturing facility equipped with over a dozen robot arm 3D-printers in order to expand its manufacturing capacity.
Toyoda Gosei aims to cut its carbon emissions in half by 2030 compared with 2015 levels and to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. Toyoda Gosei is part of the Toyota Group, which includes the carmaker Toyota Motor.