Print Infinitely-Long Parts on the New Infinity3D Belt 3D Printer

Most 3D printers' build volume is a function of their size. To get a bigger bed, you need longer X and Y axes rails. To print taller parts, you need longer Z axis rails. There are exceptions, such as SCARA robots equipped with extruders, but even those have limits. Belt printers are unique in that they can print parts of infinite lengths — at least in one axis. Such printers are just now starting to hit the market and Infinity3D is a new option with an extra trick up its sleeve.

Infinity3D launched through Kickstarter a few days ago, but it has already far exceeded its modest funding goal. Its primary competitor will be Creality's 3DPrintMill, which had a successful Kickstarter campaign late last year. The 3DPrintMill was the brainchild of Naomi Wu, AKA RealSexyCyborg. She partnered with Creality to commercialize the design, but the idea wasn't new.

That idea is to replace a typical FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) 3D printer's glass or steel bed with a conveyor belt. In this case, the Infinity3D has two configurations thanks to its "deformable design." In 90° mode, you can print smaller parts and automatically eject them, allowing you to churn out part after part. No need to babysit the printer or remove parts yourself. It can keep printing parts unattended until it runs out of filament.

The 45° mode is even more interesting. Because of the orientation, the printer can fabricate parts of any length. The finished end of the parts feeds off the end of the bed and printing continues until the part finishes. There is a practical limit, of course. The software will have a limit somewhere, but your part will hit a wall or a neighbor's house long before you reach that. You also need to support the finished end of the part. There are optional rollers for that, but those only extend from the bed by a short distance.

In 90° mode, Infinity3D has a build volume of 250 x 220 x 323 mm (9.84 x 8.66 x 12.72 inches). In 45° mode, it is 250 x 215 x infinite mm (9.84 x 8.46 x infinite inches). All other specs are typical for a modern midrange FFF 3D printer. You do get a nice 3.5" full-color touchscreen and the conveyor belt is heated, so you can print most common materials. The slicer is a custom version of Cura, which is popular and proven.

To get an Infinity3D, you can back the Kickstarter campaign before it ends on November 11th, 2021. Early Birds can get an Infinity3D for $550 and can expect to receive their rewards in February 2022.