"What distinguishes our technology from traditional 3D printing methods is that we work according to the 'Printing Outside the box' principle," Tim Geurtjens, CTO MX3D, said, "By printing with 6-axis industrial robots, we are no longer limited to a square box in which everything happens. Printing a functional, life-size bridge is of course the ideal way to showcase the endless possibilities of this technique."
The robotic arms have free movement, which means that they can print metals and resin in mid-air without the need for a support bed, like conventional 3D printers. The robots will not only be printing the bridge as they go but also the rails upon which they will move across the canal.
Designer, Joris Laarman said: "This bridge will show how 3D printing finally enters the world of large-scale, functional objects and sustainable materials while allowing unprecedented freedom of form."
A visitor centre will be opened once a location has been agreed upon so the public can learn about the project during the months it will take to complete.
