3D technology has long been seen as the ultimate goal of intelligent development. Many people believe that future society will be shaped by 3D printing, where we might shop using our own 3D-printed vehicles, live in 3D-printed homes, and use furniture made through this revolutionary process. However, while the vision is inspiring, the reality remains challenging. Due to the immaturity of the technology, these dreams are still far from being realized. Nonetheless, several companies continue to push the boundaries, determined to bring 3D printing into the mainstream.
Two years ago, MX3D announced a bold plan to build a steel bridge designed by Joris Laarman using 3D printing technology. The project has been progressing smoothly and is expected to be completed within the next few years. In an exclusive update, the company and its main investor, Autodesk, shared their latest developments. The progress in both technology and the project itself is truly impressive, with numerous challenges overcome along the way. The future of 3D printing looks more promising than ever.
This bridge serves as a perfect example of industrial application for large-scale steel printing. It could pave the way for applications ranging from shipbuilding to offshore oil rigs. Achieving such feats requires not only advanced software but also robots capable of learning and adapting to 3D printing on their own. “We are about to make a major breakthrough in the size of printable objects, which will significantly advance 3D printing applications,†said Gijs van der Velden, manager at JI3D. MX3D, a startup originally spun off from Joris Laarman Lab, is focused on commercializing large-scale steel printing.
The bridge, located near Amsterdam’s historic red light district, was initially designed with lattice-like columns resembling ice crystals. However, due to concerns over the structural impact on the canal’s riverbed, the design had to be re-engineered. The current version is more of a traditional pedestrian bridge, but it retains the original unique curvature and distortion — a design that could only be achieved through 3D printing. This showcases the vast potential of the technology to interested partners.
One of the biggest challenges during the printing process was creating large structures. While one might assume this is a hardware issue, it's actually more of a software challenge. Industrial robots, which are widely available and easy to access, can be quickly booked and delivered within three weeks. Once they arrive, MX3D’s software allows users to print almost anything. But getting these robots to produce high-performance components with precise physical properties proves to be complex.
When iron is melted, its physical properties change. Repeated heating makes it brittle, so simply printing layer by layer like with plastic isn’t feasible. As layers accumulate, the underlying steel gets repeatedly heated, making it more vulnerable. To solve this, MX3D developed a new printing approach: building in already cooled areas, resulting in seemingly random patterns. This method allows the printer to work faster without waiting for specific parts to cool down.
Another challenge lies in handling complex 3D geometries. These designs are often customized, making it hard to predict where problems might occur during welding. Machine learning offers a solution. MX3D’s industrial robots are equipped with sensors that monitor temperature, current, and weld location. The next phase involves integrating machine learning algorithms to help robots identify potential issues in real time and adjust accordingly. “When you create a print file, you can solve obvious problems,†van der Velden explains. “But when it comes to actual printing, the machine identifies the problem and finds a solution on the fly.â€
Despite these advancements, van der Velden acknowledges that 3D-printed steel won’t be suitable for 95% of industrial projects. Most construction relies on simple steel structures that don’t require 3D printing. However, the remaining 5% represents a huge market. For instance, the support structures of offshore oil rigs are highly complex. Instead of multiple teams building individual parts, two engineers could oversee eight machines. Additionally, reducing the weight of critical components in large projects like oil platforms can lead to significant cost savings. A reduction from 6,000 kg to 5,000 kg allows the use of different lifting equipment, cutting costs dramatically. 3D printing enables lighter, optimized internal structures without extra finishing work.
Returning to the bridge, this project is funded by Autodesk, with MX3D responsible for the software development. Dozens of partners have invested millions to bring this technology to life. While the bridge may look impressive, its true purpose is to demonstrate the innovative potential of large-scale internal structures that have remained unchanged for decades. “This isn’t magic,†van der Velden says. “But we’re discovering important new parts that will truly benefit from 3D printing.â€
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