It’s been a long time coming, but the world’s first 3D printed steel bridge has passed all of its required testing and is ready to be installed. But, before it gets to its final home, it will go on a short publicity tour.
MX3D’s 3D printed stainless steel bridge was first announced in 2015, when the group said that they would print it in place on-site in Amsterdam. Those plans later changed, due to high traffic concerns in the bridge’s final location, so it was then printed in a warehouse.
In April of 2018, the company announced the printing of the bridge was finally complete, but it then had to undergo rigorous testing to ensure structural integrity. A network of smart sensors were installed on the structure, which allowed the engineers to make a “digital twin” of the bridge. The living computer model derived from the sensors will be used for the future design of other 3D printed bridges, according to MX3D’s website.
Last week, MX3D announced that the bridge had passed all inspections and was ready to be installed, but it will first will be put on display at the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven from October 20 through 28. The bridge is still scheduled to be installed in 2019.
In the video below, you can check out the final project and get a glimpse of their testing and transportation methods:
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