3d metal printed bridge

[wookie]

Saw this http://3dprint.com/72682/amsterdam-3d-printed-bridge/ and thought it might be of interest to people on here, it looks like they're using a mig welder to build a bridge using only the wire that comes out of the welder.

I know it can be done but it seems a ridiculously bad way to make something, surely the energy and amount of shielding gas required is astronomical compared to producing some steel, cutting it out and then welding it all together, I suppose they are doing it just to prove it can be done.

 

[eSCHEn]

Wasteful no question but amazingly cool as well.

 

[rikrobson]

I think its more about the concept than the cost.

 

[Kayos]

I was reading the turbo housings on F1 cars are printed with vapour deposition, basically powdered metal is melted with a laser so it's similar to the plastic 3d printers and makes something very light and strong.

The downside? They are £30k each!

 

[Rocketman]

Yeah they will be sintered metal 3d components. It wouldn't be 30K to just to 3D sinter them, they are probably loading that with all the design costs and other finishing processes involved.

When I did the proto type tool designs for the new minis back in the 90's we used 3D printed sintered metal inserts for some small details in the bottom of the cavities so it's not really new.

 

[Shedendman]

Will it work in the rain with high winds?