Together with Royal HaskoningDHV we will demonstrate embedded sensing, in a small scale model of lightweight 3D printed pedestrian bridge, using additive manufacturing with continuous carbon fibers.
Earlier this year Royal HaskoningDHV, CEAD and DSM announced that they have designed a lightweight, fiber-reinforced polymer pedestrian bridge constructed using 3D printing. Royal HaskoningDHV sought the services of Brightlands Materials Center as it wanted to embed sensors in the design. This enables building a digital twin of the bridge. We developed a technology to 3D print continuous carbon fibers embedded in a structure, which then act as sensors. By using 3D printing the carbon fibers can be positioned and oriented at vital locations inside the design. The carbon fibers are an integral part of the structure.
The advantages of sensors in the design of 3D printed parts and components:
- They can register structural performance and health.
- They can incorporate new functionalities such as monitoring vital environmental aspects
- They improve the decision-making process for maintenance
- Dynamic real-time reports on the condition of the part.
A small-scale model of the pedestrian bridge including embedded sensing of structural deformation will be shown at the upcoming Formnext trade fair (Brightlands Materials Center booth 12.1 A27) in Frankfurt Germany on November 19-22nd.
Interested? Visit us at Formnext our contact Richard Janssen for more information.
