The first 3D printed bridge in history and the controversy that saw its end

Innovations are not always met with universal praise. Even when they push boundaries and revolutionize industries, there will always be those who resist change. That was the case in Amsterdam, a city famous for its canals, where in 2021, the world’s first fully 3D-printed bridge was unveiled.

For some, it was a remarkable technological achievement. For others, it was a visual blight on the cityscape.

Why was the 3D bridge a problem?

Despite the engineering feat, many locals were unhappy with the bridge’s design, claiming it looked too modern and clashed with the classic architecture of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. The structure was initially installed at Oudezijds Achterburgwal with a temporary permit, serving as a replacement for an aging bridge undergoing renovation.

However, following relentless criticism, the 3D-printed bridge was removed in 2023. In the end, the original, centuries-old bridge was restored, erasing what could have been a symbol of cutting-edge urban design.

Was the bridge actually safe?

The first question on many people’s minds: Was the bridge structurally sound?

Some skeptics may have imagined it as a flimsy, plastic-like structure, reminiscent of home-use 3D printers that produce resin or filament-based objects. The reality, however, was far different.

The project, led by MX3D, took six years to complete, utilizing stainless steel bearings and robotic arms to shape the structure using advanced modeling software. The bridge was built with 4,500 kg (9,920 lbs) of stainless steel, making it just as durable and secure as any traditional metal bridge.

There was never a question of physical safety – but aesthetic safety? That was another story.

An engineering triumph, a visual failure

Ugly? Absolutely.

While the bridge was a testament to innovation, it simply didn’t fit the city’s historic aesthetic. Despite its technological significance, the backlash proved that sometimes, tradition wins over progress.

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