Plans are under way right now to print a bridge across one of the canals in Amsterdam. The 3-D printer is essentially a robot with a wire-feed welder on the end. It will build filler metal to a predesigned shape. One will start on each side of the canal and they will meet in the middle.
How long can it be then, until we 3-D print the framework for a new paper machine? When we do this, can we do things such as eliminate sole plates? Can we make the frame very light as we will be able to print it only to hold the loads it needs to hold, not make it robust enough to be shipped in parts?
I hope to live long enough to see a paper machine frame printed in situ. Actually, I don't think this is very far away.
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