Computer generated image of 3-D bridge - photo credit: Joris Laarman for MX3D

A Dutch startup company MX3D has embarked upon an exciting and innovative new project to manufacture a steel pedestrian bridge in mid-air over an Amsterdam canal using a 3-D printer.

MX3D researches and develops groundbreaking, robotic 3-D printing technology. It equips multi-axis industrial robots with 3D printing hardware that can print steel, plastics and combinations of materials in virtually any form. The systems are controlled by software developed by engineering company Autodesk. In 2014, MX3D equipped one of the industrial robots with an advanced welding machine. 

Photo credit: MX3D / Adriaan de Groot

Building a bridge in mid-air over a canal of Amsterdam was a way for MX3D to showcase the possibilities of the cutting edge technology.

In practice it will work as follows. A printer fixed to a robotic arm will push out small amounts of molten steel heated at a temperature of 1,500° Celsius through a welding nozzle. As the molten steel is ejected drop by drop, the printer will shape the intricate and ornate structure of the bridge. The type of steel which will be used is still being researched together with the Amsterdam Institute for Metropolitan Solutions (AMS) and engineers from the Delft University of Technology.

According to Dutch designer Joris Laarman, "the underlying principle is very simple. We have connected an advanced welding machine to an industrial robot-arm. In principle, both pieces of equipment are made to perform repetitive actions. But we have now used our own intelligent software to operate these machines so they can print very complex metal shapes which can differ each time."

For the bridge in Amsterdam, one idea is to use two sets of two robots which would start on either sides of a canal. The robots will advance until they meet in the middle, constructing their own supports along the way while moving forward on movable platform bases.

Joris Laarman, designer said, “I strongly believe in the future of digital manufacturing and local production – it’s a new form of craftsmanship. This bridge can show how 3-D printing has finally entered the world of large-scale functional objects and sustainablematerials, while enabling unrivalled freedom of design. The symbolism of the bridge is a beautiful metaphor to connect the technology of the future with the old city, in a way that brings out the best of both worlds.”

The development of 3-D printing robots is at infancy stage and has endless possibilities and advantages. It could, for example, further reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing by using less material. If successful, MX3D’s new groundbreaking technology could change the future of manufacturing and construction. However, only time will tell the real impact this new technology will have. The many setbacks the technology might have to face before becoming a fully developed and mature product are impossible to foresee today.

MX3D are currently in talks with the Amsterdam city council to establish the exact location of the bridge which is expected to be completed by mid-2017. In September, a visitor centre will open for the public, where the progress of the project can be followed.

The project is a collaboration between MX3D, design software company Autodesk and construction company Heijmans; public partners TU Delft and Amsterdam City Council, and sponsors Air Liquide, ABB robotics, STV, Delcam, Within, Lenovo.

Watch the video to learn more about the project.

Source: MX3D