The printer extruder moves in a fixed plane, while the tapestry progresses, creating long objects without the need for posterior assembly.
- 3D printer mounted on a running ribbon.
- Print objects of more than 2 meters long.
- Impression angle of 45 ° with infinite conveyor belt.
- Redesigned extruder for greater power and flow.
- Plate controlled Duet 3D and Motor Nema 23.
- Functional prototype, print a kayak in one piece.
- Great potential for sustainability and efficient production.
A 3D printer that breaks the size limits
Since its invention in the 80s, the 3D impression It has revolutionized sectors such as manufacturing, medicine, architecture and sustainability. But it still had an important limit: The size of the printed object was restricted to the volume of the printing area.
Two engineers and content creators, Ivan Miranda (Spain) and Jon Schone (Netherlands), have developed a 3D printer on a running ribbon that eliminates that limitation. The result: a machine capable of printing parts potentially infinite in length.
Innovative design: an infinite inclined tape
The machine, also known as 3D printer with conveyor beltreplaces the classic fixed bed with a 45 ° inclined tape. This tape advances while the extruder, fixed in a single plane, deposits the material. Thus, the printed object moves automatically forward, allowing you to create pieces long without dividing or assembling them.
Key system components:
- High flow extruder with double strap for continuous feeding of the filament.
- The engine does not have 23: robust and capable of supporting heavy structures.
- Heating tape: adapted with heating cable for floor.
- Duet 3D controller: For precise management of engines, temperatures and sensors.
- MOBILE HOUSE WITH WHEELS To move the machine easily.
During the initial tests, they managed to print a piece of 2.10 meters long in approximately 36 hours of continuous work. An impressive technical achievement that demonstrates the viability of this approach.
An open and source versatile tool
The project has been developed with spirit DIY (do it yourself) and with many 3D printed components or adapted with accessible materials such as Wood, aluminum and polycarbonate. Both engineers have openly documented each step, promoting the Online collaboration and community innovation.
Technical challenges overcome
During the development they faced several challenges:
- Extrusor fixation: Due to the weight of the inclined structure, it was necessary to redesign supports and improve ventilation with personalized dissipators.
- Adhesion on the tape: Different methods (from glue to adhesive spray) were tested to ensure that the first layer will be fixed correctly.
- Precise temperature and calibration control: fundamental in a configuration as particular as the impression on a mobile surface.
Despite the problems, they achieved stabilize the system, improve performance and increase extruder reliabilityeven with 1 mm nozzles for large print volumes.
Potential
This type of 3D printer has Huge potential in terms of sustainability:
- Waste reduction: When printing pieces at once, the typical waste of assembly and cutting is avoided.
- Decentralized production: Communities can make large structures locally without relying on distant factories.
- Energy efficiency: Although impressions take time, the process is more efficient in the use of material and transport.
- Application in renewable energy: useful to create large structures such as turbine wings, parts of generators or components for solar facilities.
In addition, the possibility of printing boats like kayaks or long structural components in a single pass opens opportunities in sectors such as Ecological logistics, modular infrastructure, sustainable housing and aquatic transport without emissions.
This innovation not only expands the limits of 3D printing, but demonstrates how technical creativity can provide real solutions to the challenges of a world that needs to be more sustainable.
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