Hands On With Caterpillar's Next Generation 3D Screed

The 3D screed system consists of a high-density carbide steel plate, not unlike other screeds, but with a few major differences. The first being the most obvious, the front of the place itself has a textured, diamond shaped points and ridges. As the material comes through the head, those shapes "knead" the aggregate into the optimal position, above grade, before being compact by the flat trailing end of the screed. This has the effect of greater initial compaction off the the paver, generating fewer passes with a roller, and a more rigid mat quality.