3D printing has already shown a lot of potential to accomplish large-scale projects, like small buildings. Now, a new project in Amsterdam is looking to build a literal bridge to the next logical step. Indeed, 3D printing shall soon be used in a grand engineering project in the form of the world’s first fully 3D printed bridge.
This bridge, which is being constructed by the Dutch 3D printing company MX3D, shall cross the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal in Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. Six-axis robotic arms will print out the bridge in mid-air, without the need for support structures.
With this project acting as a proof-of-concept, CTO Tim Geurtjens hopes to move on to even more ambitious 3D printing ventures in the future. “We could immediately lay a bridge over the river Ij,” he said, “but let’s try it first on a slightly smaller place.”
At the unveiling of the project, the ribbon was cut in a most appropriate way with a pair of scissors wielded by a large, robotic arm.
