Telford, UK, 1 April 2024.
Find out more by clicking here.
Announcement
Ricoh 3D, a leader in additive manufacturing, is proud to unveil an unprecedented endeavour: the 3D printing of Telford & Wrekin‘s beloved Iron Bridge – the world’s first iron bridge, which was erected in 1779.
Nestled adjacent to the breathtaking Ironbridge Gorge, one of the UK’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this iconic structure holds immense historical significance, symbolising the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.
Background
In Autumn of 2017, Project Iron Bridge revealed that the bridge was severely under threat of cracking and in need of urgent repair. In 2017-18, English Heritage undertook a £3.6m conservation project on the Iron Bridge, to help safeguard the future of its historic ironwork.
However, as an ongoing safeguard commissioned by local authorities – and in partnership with English Heritage, Ricoh 3D’s groundbreaking initiative aims to preserve the heritage of this architectural masterpiece for generations to come…
Project
Leveraging cutting-edge Nylon 12 material, Ricoh 3D will be manufacturing a full-scale, publicly accessible replacement bridge in 2024 – whilst the existing structure will be transferred into the Ironbridge Valley of Invention, specifically housed in the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, and further information within the Museum of the Gorge.
Work has been going on for some time behind the scenes to print the large components required to undertake this huge-scale project, starting with scanning the 100+ feet structure to create accurate scan data which didn’t exist, due to the age of the bridge. This marks Ricoh 3D’s largest project to date.
The recreated bridge, 30.6 metres in length and 16.75 metres in height, promises unparalleled durability and authenticity, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Material
Nylon 12 has excellent isotropic properties, making it the ideal choice for the bridge, which will be manufactured with repetitive ‘snap fits’, and it has strong chemical resistance too, ensuring it will withstand natural erosion.
In homage to this monumental revamp, the new Iron Bridge will be affectionately renamed ‘Nylon Bridge’, symbolising the fusion of heritage with state-of-the-art technology and Industry 4.0. This transformative project underscores Ricoh 3D’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility and redefining the future of construction and preservation through additive manufacturing.
Reflections
“Ricoh 3D is honoured to embark on this historic journey alongside Telford & Wrekin.”
Mark Dickin, Ricoh 3D Manager.
“Our mission is not only to recreate a world-renowned landmark, but to celebrate its legacy and preserve the original structure for years to come, while embracing the limitless potential of additive manufacturing.”