Port of Rotterdam recently installed world’s first 3D-printed steel bollards on the new quay in the Sleepboothaven at Rotterdam Heijplaat.
The six bollards are part of a series of twelve 3D-printed bollards that the Port Authority and RAMLAB have co-developed.
The 3D printing of bollards is part of the infrastructure innovation programme launched by the Port Authority to improve and increase sustainability in the manufacture and use of quayside hardware through scientific research, innovation and digitisation.
Traditionally, our bollards were always made from cast steel to a set design. By applying 3D printing technology, bollards can not only be made faster, but they can also be made closer to the location where they are to be installed, which helps make production more sustainable.
…the port marked.
The results of external testing show that the new bollards are of at least the same quality as cast steel ones. Eventually, the original shape of the bollards will be redesigned to ensure that in future they will be stronger and more durable.
As informed, the eleven 3D-printed bollards are to be installed on the new quay in the Sleepboothaven and will be used to moor vessels for Broekman Project Services.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority and RAMLAB developed the bollards together. They are being printed at RAMLAB on the RDM site. The technique used is called Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) and involves the robotic welding of layers deposited on top of each other to form a 3D shape.
3D printing allows us to produce parts locally and on demand. For example, in 2017 RAMLAB produced the first 3D-printed and certified marine propeller. This year we are printing the first bollards, which is a useful test case that shows that you can produce small series relatively quickly when compared to casting and importing the parts from China.
…says RAMLAB’s Managing Director, Vincent Wegener.
