Consider a 3-D printer that makes steel structures come to life will bring a pedestrian bridge.
MX3D, a startup that is based in Netherlands researches and makes 3-D printing technologies. The company has planned its most ambitious project till now: Use of 3-D printers for constructing a bridge on canal in the midst of Amsterdam.
(http://mx3d.com/)
Traditionally, 3-D printers build objects by applying multiple layers of plastic matter from the dispenser that goes back and forth in a horizontal plane. The product that we get is made up of layers that resemble a topographic map.
The MX3D printer works in a different way. The MX3D metal printer ejects small amount of molten steel through the nozzle. This welding nozzle is at the end of 6-axis robotic arm. It can make objects from any angle rather than simply on a horizontal plane. When the molten metal goes through the nozzle, it sets quickly. That is why the printer is able to carve out straight lines, spirals or any other shape.
This is just an initial experiment. Who knows, maybe the future construction will be carried out by robots!!!
Y. Suo
