JPG PDF PNG ? zip

PES Media

  • Articles
    • News
    • Features
    • Products
  • Video
  • Magazine
    • Digital Editions
    • Subcontractor Sourcing Guide
    • Latest Newsletter
    • Editorial Programme
    • Search Engine
  • Literature
  • Events
  • Associations
  • Subscribe
  • Advertising
    • Digital Advertising
    • Editorial Programme 2020
    • Media Pack 2021
    • Rates & Specs
  • Contact Us

How MX3D has built the first 3D printed bridge using 6-axis robots

30 January 2019 • In Video

MX3D is a R&D company that has used ABB robots to produce the world’s first functional 3D-printed steel bridge over an Amsterdam canal by 2017.

“The basics of the technology is pretty simple,” Mr Laarman explained in the movie, which was filmed at MX3D’s workshop in Amsterdam. “We’re using an industrial robot that is usually used in assembly lines in the car industry. We have combined this with a welding machine and our own software to have it 3D print in metal.”

The 6-axis robots that MX3D are adapting are able to rotate their arms along six different planes of movement. They build up structures by depositing small quantities of steel in layers. Unlike traditional 3D printers, robots can produce much larger structures by moving across them as they print.

“You’re not limited by size, so we can theoretically print endlessly big,” Mr Laarman said. The steel footbridge will span eight metres. MX3D originally intended to print the bridge in situ, but had to abandon that plan over health and safety concerns. Mr Laarman and his team will now reconstruct a section of the canal in their workshop to demonstrate that it could be done on site.

Watch below to see the bridge operational in Amsterdam.

MX3D
www.mx3d.com

Michael Tyrrell

Author

Michael Tyrrell
Digital Coordinator

Tags

ABB Limited Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) robotics

Share This Article

Tweet

Share

Share

Share

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

Related Articles

ABB offers augmented reality to simplify robot installations

5 months ago Michael Tyrrell
news

ABB’s robot training masterclasses are now available online

8 months ago Michael Tyrrell
news

Robotic software now features digital twin technology

1 year ago Michael Tyrrell
products

Most recent Articles

New Lotus manufacturing facility to make aluminium chassis

2 days ago Michael Tyrrell
news

Southern Manufacturing to return to Farnborough in October

3 days ago Michael Tyrrell
news

Nissan Sunderland's future secured by Brexit trade deal

3 days ago Michael Tyrrell
news

Share This Article

Tweet

Share

Share

Share

Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter

January 2021

Subscribe to our FREE Media Network

INFORMATION

    • Contact Us
    • Privacy
    • Cookie Policy

CATEGORIES

  • Features (2,604)
  • Literature (174)
  • News (5,475)
  • Products (1,458)
  • Video (594)

TAGS

  • muffett gears
  • turning centres
  • Turning
  • semta
  • energy management

OUR OTHER MAGAZINES

Aerospace Manufacturing Logo Composites in Manufacturing Logo

CONTACT INFORMATION

  • PES Magazine
  • MIT Publishing
  • Featherstone House
  • 375 High Street
  • Rochester
  • Kent
  • ME1 1DA
01634 830566

Back To Top

1998 - 2021 © MIT Publishing
Site designed & developed by TJC