Noztek Develops Continuous Printing Conveyor System

Automation in 3D printing continues to advance. With the Infinity Print Bed Conveyor, Noztek introduces a system designed to enable the serial production of additively manufactured components with minimal manual intervention. The conveyor system combines continuous printing with automatic part removal, allowing for an uninterrupted manufacturing process.

The system is based on a heated print platform that ensures uniform temperature distribution for various high-performance materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastics and Kevlar composites. Once a print job is completed, the conveyor rotates half a turn to release the finished part and prepare the surface for the next production cycle. This automated process helps to minimize downtime between print jobs and maximizes production capacity.

Another key feature of the system is its ability to produce exceptionally long objects. By printing at a 45-degree angle and incrementally shifting the conveyor by one degree per layer, components can be manufactured with virtually no length restrictions, limited only by the available workspace. Additionally, support structures can be attached directly to one end of the conveyor to ensure the stability of elongated prints.

The conveyor system is designed for precise control and robust construction. The print platform consists of an aluminum subframe with a five-millimeter-thick steel support plate. Six independently controlled 750-watt heating panels provide uniform temperature distribution, while a high-torque stepper motor drives the conveyor. The system is controlled via an Ethernet/IP connection to the robotic system.

Measuring 1.5 meters in length and 1 meter in width, the system is intended for industrial applications. It offers an efficient solution for high-throughput additive manufacturing and could be particularly useful for companies with a high demand for repeatable components.