A Dutch engineering start-up company has announced plans to build the world’s first 3-D printed bridge across a canal in Amsterdam.

In a statement, MX3D said: “We research and develop ground-breaking and cost-effective robotic technology with which we can 3-D print beautiful, functional objects in almost any form.

"The ultimate test? Printing an intricate, ornate metal bridge for a special location to show what our robots and software, engineers, craftsmen and designers can do. Using robotic printers that can ‘draw’ steel structures in 3-D, we will print a pedestrian bridge over water in the centre of Amsterdam. Small increments of molten metal are welded to the existing structure, creating lines of steel.

"By printing multiple lines, the printer will be able to create a strong, complex structure that spans the canal — printing its own supports along the way so that it can operate autonomously. Thus, our technology removes the need for any scaffolding. ”

Joris Laarman, the bridge’s designer, said: “The underlying principle is very simple. We have connected an advanced welding machine to an industrial robot arm, and we use our own ‘intelligent software’ to operate these machines, so they can print very complex metal shapes that can differ each time.”

The company is now in talks with Amsterdam City Council to find a site for the project, which it hopes will be completed by mid-2017. Mr Laarman added: “This bridge will see 3-D printing finally enter the world of large-scale functional objects and sustainable materials, while allowing unprecedented freedom of form.

“The symbolism of the bridge is a beautiful metaphor to connect the technology of the future with the old city of Amsterdam, in a way that brings out the best of both worlds.”

The project also involves the Heijmans construction company and the Autodesk software group.