The Rion Antirion Bridge Replica (1:1000), MFR

myminifactory

These files represent my project for the Maker Faire Rome (Call for Makers) event. The project showcases a 1:1000 scale replica of the Rion Antirion Bridge in Greece, demonstrating how 3D printing can be utilized in engineering, particularly civil engineering, to create replicas and models that facilitate understanding of design principles that ensure structures are earthquake- and windproof. To assemble this bridge, one must follow detailed instructions for printing all components and gluing them together. However, due to the complexity involved, interested individuals should comment below if they wish to replicate the bridge themselves. The water beneath the bridge is made from soap, while the entire structure was spray-painted. I utilized lead tape to achieve a blue lighting effect on the bridge. Building this replica will require significant time and an abundance of glue, so one must be prepared. As there are no existing 3D designs available online, and literal sketches containing dimensions are scarce, my designs aim to closely replicate real-life structures. Although it's noticeable that the pylons are slightly taller than usual, this discrepancy is not overly apparent. Most parts do not require supports during printing, but some components may necessitate them; these supports are typically easy to remove. If you believe your printer requires additional support, feel free to add them as needed. You can access my 3D design files on Thingiverse through the link http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1871323 and SolidWorks (2015) files via https://grabcad.com/library/the-rion-antirion-bridge-replica-1-1000-mfr-1. For optimal results, I recommend using yellow filament for the bridge's underside components and white plastic for the rest. The white parts should be painted over to achieve a more realistic appearance. I personally utilized PLA without any issues, except for some minor problems with wrapping on corners and underextrusion caused by my printer. To enhance realism, paint all components thoroughly. Assembling the bridge will require considerable amounts of glue. A helpful tip is to trim the glued surfaces of two disconnected parts using sandpaper or a Dremel before re-gluing them. Keep in mind that burned glue can be toxic, so exercise caution when working with it. The models were created using SolidWorks 2015 and are available for download on grabcad.com.