FIU Architecture Students Explore Cutting-Edge 3D Printing on Study Abroad Trip to Berlin-Amsterdam 2024
During the Summer 2024 Study Abroad program, graduate architecture students from Florida International University's College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts had the unique opportunity to visit MX3D in Amsterdam—a global leader in metal 3D printing. The visit included a compelling presentation by Gijs Van Der Velden, who detailed MX3D's pioneering history, its innovative projects, and the challenges faced in designing and printing. A highlight of the discussion was the upcoming 50-meter hybrid 3D-printed pedestrian steel bridge in Duisburg, Germany, designed by Professor Thomas Spiegelhalter. This ambitious project, currently under assembly and scheduled to open in October 2024, was coordinated through numerous Zoom meetings over the years with collaborators Kasper Siderius and Gijs van der Velden. Founded by Loris Jaarman, MX3D is renowned for its revolutionary metal additive manufacturing technology, utilizing dual 6-axis robotic systems. Their ground-breaking work includes the world’s first 3D-printed metal bridge, which opened in July [...]