An unusual experiment shows how standard components from the fitness sector can be combined with 3D printing technology. Makers Ivan Miranda and Jón Schone have built a functional 3D printer on a standard treadmill. The aim of the project was to implement the concept of the continuous printing platform on a large scale without constructing a separate transport system.
Instead of developing a classic belt printer system, the pair used an existing treadmill as a movable printing platform. They mounted a stabilized frame system with linear rails, a portal axis and a specially manufactured extruder on it. The latter was dimensioned for large-volume prints in order to enable practicable material conveying despite the scaling.
The technical implementation included the installation of several stepper motors, an in-house development for the print head and adapted electronics to control the movement along the X, Y and Z axes. The printing surface itself does not remain static during operation. The belt continuously moves the component backwards during the printing process. This means that, in theory, it is possible to print an unlimited length – depending only on the stability of the material and the printing parameters.
These types of systems, also known as “endless printers” or “belt-based printers”, are not new, but have so far been a niche market.
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