Sumptuously inaugurated with a ceremony in the presence of the queen, the structure to the test of time. Where the first 3D printed bridge was opened.
Since this summer, there’s one more reason to visit Amsterdam. It’s the world’s first 3D-printed bridge, recently opened in the presence of the Queen in a lavish ceremony that was bounced by news agencies to media outlets around the world.
Actually, as you can see from the photos, the 3D bridge over the canal in the Dutch capital has a fluid and fascinating shape. But a few weeks after opening to the public it seems to have already given some problems.
The question at this point is: beautiful, beautiful, but does the 3D bridge perform the crossing function for which it was built?
How is it made and why is the world’s first ever 3D bridge important
The structure of the Dutch crossing is made of steel, a material then surprisingly moldable with a modern three-dimensional printer. The location is the red light district, one of the best known and most evocative of the northern European city. The canal is called Oudezijds Achterburgwal. About a month ago, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was present at the inauguration, unmistakable in her bright orange suit.
The bridge is 12 meters long and is exclusively pedestrian, it was built by startup MX3D along with other partner companies: Joirs Laarman Lab, ArcelorMittal, Autodesk, Lenovo, Heijmans, ABB Robotics, Air Liquide-Oerlikon.
What are the problems with the 3D bridge in Amsterdam
A month later, after the media hangover, it may be time for a review, but it doesn’t seem to be flattering.
On one side of the one-piece modeled structure are two large steps marked with yellow paint. Impossible to access the bridge without climbing up them. In fact, there is no ramp or railing, so access is impossible or very difficult for those in wheelchairs or who have difficulty walking.
According to residents of the area, then, the 3D bridge would also be a danger to the many people who come to the neighborhood for tourism and entertainment, some of whom end the evening with a few too many beers in their bellies: “Tourists run around drunk, here. You can see what happens then”, confides a resident, referring to the complicated crossing of the bridge.
The moral seems to be that yes, the eye wants its part. But a bridge is still a bridge. And so, if you can’t cross it, what exactly is the point?
The 3D printer is also available for private use: here, for example, are two models with decidedly interesting performance.
Giuseppe Giordano