Noztek has developed the Infinity Print Bed Conveyor, a new system that could significantly advance automation in additive manufacturing. The system consists of a heated conveyor belt that has been specially developed for use in autonomous 3D printing applications and enables continuous production with minimal human intervention.
The print bed ensures even heat distribution and makes it possible to produce multiple parts simultaneously across the entire print surface. Once a print cycle is complete, the conveyor belt rotates half a turn, automatically removing the finished parts and preparing the bed for the next print cycle. This fully automatic mode of operation allows a continuous workflow that can be operated around the clock without the need for constant manual intervention.
From a technical point of view, the system is based on a robust design that combines an aluminum sub-frame with a 5 mm thick steel support plate. The heating power is provided by six independently mounted 750 watt heating elements, which ensure a constant temperature throughout the printing process. The conveyor belt is driven by a high-torque stepper motor connected to a specially designed printed circuit board (PCB) and an Arduino Mega. This combination enables precise control of the system, which works seamlessly with a Kuka robotic arm that monitors and synchronizes the printing process.
A special feature of this system is its ability to act as a so-called “Infinity Print Bed”. This enables extremely long parts to be printed by moving the conveyor belt by 1 degree after each layer. As a result, almost unlimited lengths of print objects are possible, limited only by the space available in the work area. This function offers particular advantages in the production of components that have to be manufactured in one piece.
Measuring 1.5 meters long and 1 meter wide and weighing just 60 kilograms, the Infinity Print Bed Conveyor is surprisingly mobile and flexible despite its complex functions. These features make it a valuable addition to modern manufacturing environments where efficiency and precision are crucial. The system offers a scalable solution for companies looking to automate and optimize their 3D printing processes.
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