World's first 3D-printed steel bridge to be installed across a canal in Amsterdam next year

The 41-foot-long bridge took four robots, 9920 pounds of stainless steel and six months of printing to complete

MX3D, a Dutch robotics firm, 3D printed a functional stainless steel bridge for pedestrians in Amsterdam’s red light district. The 41-foot-long bridge took four robots, 9920 pounds of stainless steel and six months of printing to complete. MX3D combined an industrial robot, a welding machine and software to make the 3D printers.

The ambitious project has gone through several iterations in its development to strengthen the structure against potential boats collisions and to adhere to the local council's regulations. The bridge will also incorporate a “smart sensor network”, in order to access the health of the bridge, all in real time. The bridge is expected to be installed on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal in Amsterdam's red light district once the renovation of the canal is complete and not later than mid-2019.

Source: dezeen.com