Here at 3D Rapid Print, we like to keep abreast of the latest innovations in 3D printing.
In September 2019, the following Dutch companies announced their collaboration to 3D print a bridge made from fibre-reinforced plastic, proclaiming that this had never been done before:
- Self-appointed “independent international engineering and project management consultancy leading the way in sustainable development and innovation” Royal HaskoningDHV of Amersfoort, Utrecht. They boast 6000 employees and circa 75 permanent offices worldwide across more than 30 countries.
- Self-proclaimed “We build large scale 3D printers For continuous carbon- and glass fibre reinforced polymer products” CEAD of Delft, South Holland.
- Multi-national health, nutrition and materials company DSM of Heerlen, Limburg, who describe their purpose as “to create brighter lives for all.” They boast circa 21,000 employees worldwide and in 2018 made a net profit of more than a billion euros.
Royal HaskoningDHV is designing the bridge and DSM is providing the relevant materials. CEAD has developed a 3D printer designed especially for 3D printing in composite materials, which DSM claim is the largest one of its kind ever made. The bridge is intended to be made from a combination of glass fibres and a special glass-filled thermoplastic DSM calls Arnite®.
The Netherlands saw its first 3D printed bridge in October 2017, with the installation of one in Gemert, North Brabant that was built especially for cyclists. The first ever 3D printed bridge was installed in Alcobendas, Spain by the The Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in December 2016. However, the concept of 3D printed bridges traces as far back as June 2015, with the MX3D Bridge project of self-proclaimed “develops groundbreaking robotic additive manufacturing technology” company MX3D of Amsterdam, North Holland. As of September 2019, the MX3D bridge is being tested at the University of Twente in Enschede, Overijssel.
3D printing is an amazing tool. It can grow your small business or start a mini revolution in an industry. Explore what it can do for you when you contact us today.
Disclaimer: Featured image of “Ariwara-no-narihira-ason” is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or less.
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