We first learned about MX3D as they embarked on a journey in Amsterdam to consider making a 3D printed pedestrian bridge, and then worked with Dutch students fabricating a 3D printed metal bicycle. Fast forward two years later, and now the group is back to completing the bridge that they began work on with Joris Laarman in 2015 (with Autodesk as chief investor). Progress should be rolling along more quickly though as the team expects the bridge to be finished in 2018.
Since the inception of the idea for the bridge in 2015, the teams have overcome numerous obstacles. They also realize that to continue progressing they will have to improve on current software, as well as robotics; in fact, they foresee robots imbued with the ability to learn and improve (especially at 3D printing) as a requirement for future applications that the bridge actually serves as a proof of concept for.“We’re now making huge steps in the volume of objects that can be printed. That’s going to create a significant leap in adoption,” says Gijs van der Velden, who runs MX3D.
Laarman originally envisioned the bridge as a system of struts networking out in an open, almost crystalline design. And although the initial plan was to install the 3D printed bridge over Amsterdam’s famed Red Light district, changes were required because the first design would have placed undue stress on the canal walls.
Refinements to the bridge mean that it will be a more traditional pedestrian structure, though enhanced by complex bends and turns—accents which would not have been possible without 3D printing. Robots are expected to do a great deal of the construction work also, thanks to innovative software. 3D printing massive pieces though presents a challenge, especially considering the nuances of making a structure with steel.
Because of the intricacies involved, the machines (the robots) must be able to learn. Right now, sensors alert the robots regarding how much current is used to heat the metal to the appropriate temperatures. They are also able to understand how hot the metal with get, and where to apply welds.
MX3D will take machine learning one step further as they design algorithms allowing robots to understand which welds could be problematic and then work to fix the issues—or even better, avoid them ahead of time.
“When you’re making the file for printing, the big issues will be resolved,” explains van der Velden. “When you’re actually printing, the machine will recognize a problem and create a solution on the fly.”
Van der Velden does point out, however, that this type of technology will probably only be applied to a sliver of industrial construction. Their niche will be in complex constructions, probably amounting to five percent of projects overall. Oil rigs are a good example where the technology would be helpful, with robots doing the bulk of the work under human supervision. With 3D printing, parts will be more lightweight, affordable, and durable—as well as high-performance.
“It’s not going to be a magical way of producing everything,” says van der Velden. “But we’ll find really important new parts to print.”
What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Please join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.
[Source: Co.Design]
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3D Printing News Briefs, April 13, 2024: Robotics, Orthotics, & Hypersonics
In 3D Printing News Briefs today, we’re focusing first on robotics, as Carnegie Mellon University’s new Robotics Innovation Center will house several community outreach programs, and Ugogo3D is now working...
Rail Giant Alstom Saves $15M with 3D Printing Automation Software 3D Spark
3D Spark has entered into a three-year deal with the rail giant Alstom. Alstom, a transport behemoth with annual revenues of $16 billion, specializes in the manufacture of trains, trams,...
Meltio Expands Global Reach with New Partnerships in the Americas and Europe
Spanish 3D printing manufacturer Meltio has expanded its sales network across the globe. With the addition of three new partners in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Italy, Meltio aims...
3D Printing Webinar and Event Roundup: April 7, 2024
Webinars and events in the 3D printing industry are picking back up this week! Sea-Air-Space is coming to Maryland, and SAE International is sponsoring a 3D Systems webinar about 3D...