(506) 2240-6804
Belt fed 3d printer
Creality launches its 3DPrintMill (CR-30) conveyor belt 3D printer on Kickstarter - technical specifications and pricing
0Shares
Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Creality has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its latest FDM system, the CR-30.
Also dubbed the 3DPrintMill, the conveyor belt-based machine was developed in collaboration with tech YouTuber Naomi Wu, and has already surpassed $1M in crowdfunding. Seeing as the CR-30 operates on a belt, it features a build volume of 200 x 170 x (theoretically) infinite millimeters. As such, it’s primarily aimed at designers, SMEs, and anyone else looking to replace their print farms with a hands-free continuous printing engine.
The Creality CR-30 3D printer. Photo via Creality.The 3DPrintMill / CR-30
Creality’s latest machine comes packaged in four separate parts – the base, front, rear, and control panel. Using the allen keys and tools included with the printer, it should only take around half an hour to assemble the whole thing into a usable piece of kit. The all-metal frame weighs 16.5kg, and is designed to dampen any and all vibrations from the Core-XY motion gantry. The hotend sits at 45º and has a maximum temperature of 240ºC, with claims that it can print with materials such as TPU and PETG. The company has also stated that it plans to launch an optional direct drive extruder conversion kit in the near future.
The Z-axis conveyor belt is made of nylon, and is expected to last several years before needing a replacement. Extra belts can be purchased for $45 and swapped out in around ten minutes. Looking underneath the belt, there is a 220W aluminum print bed capable of a maximum temperature of 100ºC, which should provide ample adhesion for the polymer parts above. The bed assembly as a whole can be releveled using a series of top-mounted knobs lining the outer edges of the conveyor belt.
Internally, the CR-30 packs an “ultra-quiet” 32-bit motherboard. Connectivity options comprise a USB slot and SD card reader, and the machine even has a smart filament detector with print resume functionality.
In situations where the power cuts off or the filament spool runs dry, the system will pause the print until it’s safe to resume from where it left off.
The CrealityBelt slicer
Naturally, Creality is also offering a brand new slicing software designed specifically for the CR-30. CrealityBelt can be used to slice a model of any length, but it can also slice multiple models in a line for a series build. Included in the program is a set of ready-made slicing profiles developed by slicer expert Tom Jackson (aka FilamentFrenzy), who is well-known in the open-source community.
To complement the slicer, Creality also enlisted Scott Lahteine, the maintainer of the Open Source Marlin project, to code the firmware for the CR-30. In true open-source fashion, the firmware is compliant with the GPL and is accessible to any users that may want to tinker around with it.
Hands-free batch 3D printing on the CR-30.
GIF via Creality.Technical specifications and pricing
Below are the technical specifications for the Creality 3DPrintMill / CR-30. Pledges for the machine begin at a discounted rate of $538. The Kickstarter campaign will continue to run until December 18, after which the system will retail at $999. Deliveries are expected to commence in May 2021.
| Build volume | 200 x 170 x infinite mm |
| Machine dimensions | 535 x 656 x 410 mm |
| Max. nozzle temperature | 240°C |
| Max. bed temperature | 100°C |
| Weight | 16.5 kg |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4 mm |
| Layer thickness | 0.1 – 0.4 mm |
| File transfer | USB/SD |
Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter for the latest news in additive manufacturing.
You can also stay connected by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.
Looking for a career in additive manufacturing? Visit 3D Printing Jobs for a selection of roles in the industry.
Featured image shows the Creality CR-30 3D printer. Photo via Creality.
Tags 3DPrintMill CR-30 Creality Kickstarter naomi wu Scott Lahteine Tom Jackson
Kubi Sertoglu
Kubi Sertoglu holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, combining an affinity for writing with a technical background to deliver the latest news and reviews in additive manufacturing.
The 5 Best Belt 3D Printers for Infinite Printing (2022) – Clever Creations
3D printer designs have evolved a lot since their inception in the 1980s. Cartesian, CoreXY, and Delta 3D printers are the standard norm in the hobby 3D printing space. Recently, we have seen the introduction of conveyor belt 3D printers.
These 3D printers have the belt embedded into the build platform, essentially creating a printer with an infinite Z-axis.
This is an interesting design and raises the question: is a belt 3D printer viable for your 3D printing needs?
Read on to learn more about continuous printing and see the best belt 3D printers that are currently available on the market.
| Belt 3D Printer | Build Volume | Inclination | Price (~) | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creality CR-30 3DPrintMill | 200 x 170 x ∞ mm | 45° | $1049 | Creality |
| Blackbelt 3D Printer | 340 x 340 x ∞ mm | 15°/25°/35°/45° | $10450 | Blackbelt 3D |
| IdeaFormer IR3 | 250 x 250 x ∞ mm | 45° | $499 | Amazon |
| SainSmart INFI-20 | 200 x 180 x ∞ mm | 45° | $849 | SainSmart |
| White Knight Belt Printer | 400 x 430 x ∞ mm | 45° | $2000 | GitHub |
What is a Belt 3D printer?
Originally invented by the Dutch company Blackbelt in 2017, rolling conveyor belt 3D printers are a radical take on the existing 3D printer designs.
Belt 3D printers consist of a moving belt that lets you print long objects in the Z-axis without any limits (infinite Z printing).
You can use a belt 3D printer to carry out bulk printing and print continuously without the need to stop the 3D printing process.
The original Blackbelt 3D printer had a price tag of over $9000, limiting its user base to professional users. Subsequently, Creality’s CR-30 3DPrintMill brought continuous printing technology to the masses. Several other conveyor belt printers have appeared on the market after that.
How do belt 3D printers work?
A conveyor belt 3D printer is a drastic modification over your typical Cartesian or CoreXY 3D printer. Its stand-out feature is a continuously moving belt instead of a fixed print bed.
On a belt 3D printer, a Core XY motion gantry is positioned inclined to the belt, usually at a 45° angle. The belt is used as the Z-axis for your 3D prints, whereas the inclined print head constitutes the X and Y axes.
The print head prints the objects in an inclined plane. While doing so, the belt moves ahead or backward, depending on your object’s design. The printing process is pretty much like that of a standard CoreXY 3D printer, albeit on an inclined plane.
3D prints fall off the belt’s far end once they’re done printing. Because of this, you can use belt 3D printers to print large production runs of your designs without any intervention.
Technically, there’s no restriction on the object’s height that you can print on belt 3D printers. Here is an example of a CR-30 3D printer printing a 6-meter extended model on the conveyor belt.
Why use a belt 3D printer?
One of the biggest advantages of a conveyor belt 3D printer is that it lets you 3D print long objects. As the 3D printer has no actual limit in the Z direction, you can 3D print swords, large model buildings, and other prints that would not fit the print volume of traditional FDM printers.
As long as you can support your parts beyond the belt’s length, you can print models as long as you want.
For that reason, some belt 3D printers come with a removable extension bracket accessory.
Alternatively, you can use belt 3D printers to automate your printing process. If your work consists of 3D printing numerous parts, you might not want to go through the effort of removing them from the print bed, cleaning the bed, and starting a new 3D print each time.
Advantages:
- Infinite z-axis offers infinite length 3D prints
- Cost-efficient bulk 3D printing
Disadvantages:
- No belt 3D printers with enclosure
- Rougher surface finish than glass print beds
- Limited slicer options
- Requires additional support structures
The Best Conveyor Belt 3D Printers in 2022
Creality CR-30 3DPrintMill
Best overall
Check Price
AmazonCrealityCreality3DOfficial
Creality’s CR-30 3DPrintMill is probably the best-known conveyor belt 3D printer at the moment of writing.
It carries a similar design to the Blackbelt 3D printer, but comes at a considerably more attractive price. At a price tag of $1049, it provides a great set of features and easy accessibility to spare parts.
The CR-30 comes with a CoreXY gantry inclined at 45°. This lets the 3D printer have a rigid triangular frame that aids in print quality. The design is similar to other Creality 3D printers with V-slot extrusions, a dual gear Bowden extruder, and a spring adjustable bed platform.
The wear-resistant nylon belt surface and partially heated print area both promote print adhesion. The printer’s belt can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.
Keep in mind that you will need to spend time fine-tuning it to get the best quality results. Nonetheless, the CR-30 Print mill opens up many avenues for cosplay 3D printing and is one of the best belt 3D printers for hobbyists looking for an endless printing solution.
Standout Features
- Nylon conveyor belt
- Dual metal gear extruder
- Silent stepper drivers
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 200 x 170 x ∞ mm |
| Inclination angle | 45° |
| Max hot end temperature | 240°C |
| Overall dimensions | 535 x 656 x 410 mm |
| Weight | 16. 5 kg |
What We Like
- Easy to assemble
- Add-on rollers and replacement belts available
- Great community support
Could Be Better
- Sub-par print quality out of the box
- Poor quality control
Find Creality CR-30 3DPrintMill at
AmazonCrealityCreality3DOfficial
Blackbelt 3D Printer
Best high-end
Check Price
Blackbelt 3D
The Blackbelt 3D printer was the first commercial solution to realize infinite Z-axis 3D printing. Its revolutionary design and high-end components brought belt 3D printing to industrial applications.
The belt is made up of a durable carbon fiber composite material and holds your prints firmly in place. It features a modular design letting you quickly change the printhead assembly to print flexible filaments. Additionally, the Blackbelt team can customize the printer to fully suit your 3D printing workflow.
The industrial linear guides on the printer facilitate a smooth motion, and you get the option to adjust the inclination angle of the printer frame as well.
It certainly has a premium design and a rugged build quality and is developed with industrial applications in mind.
If you have the budget for a >$10,000 conveyor belt 3D printer, the Blackbelt will be the best choice for you.
Standout Features
- Modular design
- Carbon-fiber composite belt
- Adjustable print angles
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 340 x 340 x ∞ mm |
| Inclination angle | 15°/25°/35°/45° |
| Max hot end temperature | N/A |
| Overall dimensions | N/A |
| Weight | N/A |
What We Like
- Industrial build quality
- Customizable to your needs
- Large build volume
Could Be Better
- Expensive
- Outdated user interface
Find Blackbelt 3D Printer at
Blackbelt 3D
IdeaFormer IR3
Best on a budget
Check Price
AmazonAliExpress
The IdeaFormer IR3 is a desktop-sized conveyor belt 3D printer catered to budget 3D printer users.
It has a simple design and comes with typical features of a budget 3D printer but in a belt printer package.
The printer features a CoreXY structure with a PU polyester belt as the print surface. You get linear guides on the XY axes for smooth and precise movement. The hot end on the printer is exclusive to it and has the addition of a dual gear extruder and a filament breakage detector. These key features are designed to provide reliable 3D printing over long periods of time.
As the printer is focused on novice users, it is easy to assemble, You will be able to put it together within half an hour.
The lack of a heated bed makes it most suitable for 3D printing low-temperature filaments like PLA. Similarly, its non-triangular frame is less rigid than the one you can find on the CR 30.
If you can handle its limitations and want to experience printing with a budget belt 3D printer, the IdeaFormer I3 is an excellent option.
Standout Features
- Easy to assemble
- Linear rail guides on X and Y axes
- Exclusively designed hot end
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 250 x 250 x ∞ mm |
| Inclination angle | 45° |
| Max hot end temperature | 250 °C |
| Overall dimensions | 575 x 436 x 506 mm |
| Weight | 16. 8 kg |
What We Like
- Beginner-friendly design
- Low-cost
- Good printing volume
Could Be Better
- Separate control unit takes up extra space
- Limited community support
Find IdeaFormer IR3 at
AmazonAliExpress
SainSmart INFI-20
Most rigid
Check Price
AmazonSainSmart
The Sainsmart INFI-20 is one of the most compact and modern-looking conveyor belt 3D printers. Its spec sheet is comparable with that of the CR-30. At a slightly lower cost, the Sainsmart still delivers a decent printing experience and is an excellent alternative to the CR-30.
The INFI-20 comes with TMC 2208 stepper drivers for silent 3D printing. You also get a textured nylon belt surface designed for durability and good print adhesion. To help with setup, the included layer test model lets you quickly level your print bed.
The sleek brush metal finish display with a rotary knob on the control panel adds a touch of modernity to the printer.
And with the inbuilt Wi-Fi capabilities, you can print wirelessly through the Octoprint app.
Reviews of the INFI-20 aren’t as positive as those of the CR-30. While it comes packed with nice features in a small form factor, you can expect to do a lot of tinkering before you get good results.
That said, if you get it dialed in correctly, the SainSmart INFI-20 conveyor belt 3D printer can be a decent belt printer for beginners, and hobbyists to print multiple models at once.
Standout Features
- Compact form factor
- Modern user interface
- Wi-Fi printing
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 200 x 180 x ∞ mm |
| Inclination angle | 45° |
| Max hot end temperature | 240 °C |
| Overall dimensions | 630 x 530 x 290 mm |
| Weight | 18. 5 kg |
What We Like
- Easy to set up
- Silent 3D printing experience
- Integrated Octoprint support
Could Be Better
- Requires considerable fine-tuning
- Inconsistent Z-axis homing
Find SainSmart INFI-20 at
AmazonSainSmart
White Knight Belt Printer
Best DIY Conveyor Belt 3D Printer
GitHubThingiverse
If you’re looking for a DIY belt 3D printer, the White Knight Belt 3D Printer is certainly worth looking at. Built by NAK 3D Designs, it is an entirely open-source conveyor belt 3D printer. It uses premium components but costs considerably less than its ready-to-buy counterparts.
The White Knight has a 400 mm x 430 mm print area with its CoreXY structure. It is designed to use a Duet WiFi 3D printer controller board along with an all-metal hot end. The Bondtech Extruder and the BuildTak printing surface are additional aids in delivering excellent 3D printing quality.
You can find all the files and instructions to build the 3D printer on its GitHub page. It is definitely not for beginners, and it will be helpful to have prior knowledge about assembling a 3D printer. Yet, the White Knight is a testament to the open-source and 3D printing community and is a great addition to your 3D printing setup if you’re up for building it.
Standout Features
- Large build area
- Duet WiFi motherboard
- BuildTak print surface
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Build volume | 400 x 430 x ∞ mm |
| Inclination angle | 45° |
| Max hot end temperature | 450 °C |
| Overall dimensions | N/A |
| Weight | N/A |
What We Like
- Excellent features
- Open-source design
- Customizable to your specifications
Could Be Better
- Long Bowden tube may lead to issues
- Needs considerable 3D printing expertise
Key Factors When Buying a Belt 3D Printer
Slicer support
Conveyor belt 3D printers have a unique design.
Their inclined printing angle makes traditional slicer software setups unusable for slicing models. As these printers are relatively new, slicing support for belt 3D printers is very limited in popular slicers.
When choosing a conveyor belt 3D printer, you need to consider its slicer compatibility. It is a crucial aspect of all the belt printers and will dictate your software experience with the printer. You need to ensure that you have alternative slicer options available if one of them doesn’t work out for you.
The Blackbelt 3D printer comes with its Blackbelt slicer based on an older version of Cura. The Creality CR-30 works on the Creality Belt slicer, another old version of the Cura Slicer. But it has extensive support and profiles available with the Ideamaker Slicer software.
Build quality
Build quality is often neglected in budget 3D printers. However, in the case of belt 3D printers, solid build quality is absolutely essential. A stable structure will help provide good support to the prints and is helpful in long-duration 3D prints.
Belt 3D printers have an inclined printing angle, and even a slightly wobbly structure can lead to disastrous results. In the best-case scenario, only print quality is affected. In the worst-case scenario, a large print can come loose and ruin hours of work.
A sturdy frame will help avoid these issues. A triangular frame typically creates the best support structure for the 3D printer.
The Creality CR-30 and the BlackBelt 3D printer come out on top in terms of build quality. The White Knight belt 3D printer, too, has some high-end components and an all-metal frame to keep up with the extended demands of long 3D printing objects.
Filament sensor
The filament sensor is an integral part of any belt 3D printer. Its function is to inform you about your filament feed to the printer. If your filament spool empties or the filament breaks in the middle of a 3D print, the sensor will notify the printer and stop the printing process.
This can save your current model from failing due to a lack of filament.
You can quickly load up a new filament spool and resume printing your model. Considering a belt printer’s objective of printing long-duration prints, a filament sensor becomes almost a necessity to avoid any print failures.
Almost all the 3D printers mentioned in the list have a smart sensor for filament embedded in their hardware. Even if the conveyor belt 3D printer you are looking at does not have a filament sensor, it is typically fairly easy to add one.
Belt surface
Unlike typical FDM printers, which can use a glass bed, PEI-coated spring steel, BuildTak surfaces, and more, belt 3D printers come with limited build platform options. There simply aren’t many options available to swap out the belt with. This is why choosing a belt 3D printer with a high-quality belt surface is vital.
You’ll find the Creality CR-30 and the SainSmart INFI-20 have Nylon as their belt surface material. The Nylon belt material is used for long-term durability and offers excellent print adhesion.
It also helps to keep the overall cost of the 3D printer down.
The top-end BlackBelt 3D printer comes with a special infinite Z belt made up of carbon fiber composite. It has a low coefficient of friction and high stiffness. This reduces expansion during the heating process and ensures maximum print adhesion. Additionally, the material adds to the aesthetic of the 3D printer and gives it a premium feel.
While carbon fiber will give you the best printing performance, you need to consider the cost aspect of the belt too. In that aspect, a Nylon surface delivers the best balance between cost and bed adhesion.
Filament Support
It is important that the belt 3D printer you buy can print with all filament materials you need it to. The type of 3D printer extruder you need and the belt surface you choose will heavily depend on the kind of filaments you want to use.
The most popular 3D printing filament is PLA. It is easy to print with and does not require a heated bed.
As a result, it is ideal for belt 3D printers that don’t have a heated belt.
You can use other materials like ABS, PETG, and TPU as well. However, you will need a belt material and an extruder that can handle the higher temperatures required to print with these filaments.
The ability to print with different materials gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to choosing the right belt 3D printer for your needs. It is always better to have more options rather than be limited by the printer you choose.
Repairability
The belt 3D printer you choose should be easy to repair and maintain. This is important because, with extended use, things are bound to break down. When they do, you want to be able to quickly fix them. If you want to make money with your 3D printer, reducing downtime is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 3D printing be automated?
Yes, 3D printing can be automated with a conveyor belt 3D printer. These can print objects continuously without the need for the user to manually remove 3D prints.
This type of printer is perfect for mass production because it can print large quantities of objects quickly and efficiently.
Can you run a 3D printer continuously?
Yes, you can run a 3D printer continuously, but it will depend on the type of printer you have. If you have a belt 3D printer, then you should be able to run it continuously without any issues.
However, if you have a traditional 3D printer, then you will need to remove finished prints by hand.
Regardless of the type of 3D printer, it is important that it is properly designed and components don’t get too hot when used for longer periods of time. This helps prevent any potential issues with overheating or jamming.
Conclusion
Belt 3D printers are still relatively new to the 3D printing world. While they don’t provide the most extraordinary printing experience, their unique design opens up a new approach to printing long objects. Infinite length printing is an excellent solution for printing long swords, knives, and cosplay items.
Printing many smaller objects non-stop is also a great way of using belt 3D printers. Combined with large spools of filament, belt 3D printers can run for days unattended.
Within the limited available options, we found that the Creality CR-30 is the overall best belt 3D printer that you can buy right now. It has a rugged build quality and a compact form factor with a slightly modern design. Once you configure it correctly, you should have no issues printing the swords in your wishlist in a single piece.
The White Knight belt 3D printer is an excellent alternative. While you need to source the components and assemble them yourself, this belt 3D printer DIY project offers a lot of potential. If you are an experienced user, then the challenge of building and configuring this machine might be an excellent option for you.
What are your thoughts on the belt 3D printers? What would be the first object you’d 3D print if you were to use one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Naomi Wu Interview on Creality 3DPrintMill 3D Printer
Supermaker Naomi Wu answered our questions about the upcoming Creality 3D Printer thirty.
Shenzhen-based Naomi is well known in the 3D printing community for her efforts to promote the achievements of manufacturers as well as creating some interesting designs. One of them, the T-beam impact-resistant TTGO case, was our project of the week a few months ago.
The project she is currently working on is the upcoming Creality CR-30 or 3DPrintMill 3D Printer. This unusual 3D printer prints at an angle on a moving conveyor belt to enable continuous 3D printing or the production of objects larger than the size of the 3D printer itself. In this video, Naomi introduces the device:
We asked a few questions to learn more about the project and what we can expect when it is released.
Fabbaloo : Can you tell us how this project started and how you got involved? What is your relationship with Creality and White Knight/NAK 3D?
Naomi Wu : “I learned about Infinite-Z printers around 2016 when Bill Steele showed off his designs. I immediately saw the potential, but at that moment both the creation and the purchase were beyond my means. In 2018, I arranged for Bill to meet the founders of Creality here in Shenzhen to develop a custom infinite Z-axis 3D printer for them. It was a friendly and productive meeting, but the Creality bosses had not yet seen the market for tape printers. Bill, fortunately, was very kind and we kept in touch. In the end, the founders of Creality agreed to dedicate some internal resources and development time to a project under my control. In 2019Carl Braun aka Nax3D made his White Knight and I talked to him but since he was selling kits I decided as a matter of courtesy not to use his open source design and instead continue to develop an independent design, though of course based on his ideas.
We kept in touch and when I finally had something pretty close to going to market, Carl agreed to act as a paid consultant and really took it to the next level.
For those of us who have been here for a while, the way previous open source 3D printer projects were brought to market in China... among other things, it was just disrespectful to the people who created these projects: by companies that took credit for "reinventing" the standard Prusa and Replicator clones. Yes, you can copy, but there is a correct way to do it. It was bad and I never liked it and you have to bite your tongue when the community complains about it because they are right. I waited for years to prove that it was unwise and not good to do so, that it was short-sighted. So far with 3DPrintMill that has been true and I owe a lot to Carl and Bill for letting me show some people here that if you do it right, play by the rules, the community will support you.”
Fabbaloo : Is this a CR-30 or a 3DPrintMill? Or are they different things?
Naomi Wu : “Creality model number is CR-30, product name is 3DPrintMill.
It's really meant for small-scale production, so I needed a name that would resemble it: sawmill, rolling mill, etc. But at the same time, it's a treadmill game because of the belt."
Fabbaloo : I first used a belt driven 3D printer in 2010 with MakerBot's "Automated Build Platform". Although the device was a little unstable, the ability to 3D print a continuous stream of objects seemed very powerful. Today, I still see skepticism about the tape concept from many people. Why do you think there was no interest in this concept? What do people not understand?
Naomi Wu : “Lack of interest is news to me, my inbox is full of requests for pre-samples. From most of my discussions, I've always been worried about the ABP patent, which is now owned by Stratasys. Infinite-Z doesn't break that, but people are still worried about objections from such a big player and don't want to take the risk.
The interest was huge, and frankly, a little skepticism is great.
I'm not trying to sell it to people who don't need it and convince them they need it. There won't be a single bearded hipster video on Kickstarter with a MacBook and ukulele music in the background. That's not who it's aimed at. People who need 3DPrintMill know exactly why they need it as soon as they see how it works. It's like a Bridgeport milling machine or a high-end gaming computer. People who look at them and ask "What is this for?" probably shouldn't buy them.
This is not for little figures, not the best first printer for kids. I was really targeting people or companies that print long objects such as cosplay and prop makers, sign makers, molding restorers and other long decorative items, but mostly those who need to make 10-1000 items - small scale production, Etsy and eBay stores, local machine shops as a cheaper alternative to CNC to offer to customers, people printing PPE and daily necessities, all that sort of thing.
It has the potential to be fantastic for education when we can line up the prints, this means little hands can get their part after they fall into the bin without touching the hot parts to tear them off heated base.
But 3DPrintMill is not intended to replace traditional FDM 3D printers, and a little reality check is a good thing. If you're a pocket-saving teenager, for God's sake, buy an Ender-3 as your first $200 printer, not this thing."
Fabbaloo : The main problem with the MakerBot ABP was the tape itself, which after repeated heating could warp, becoming an uneven surface for subsequent prints. How has belt technology changed? How durable can a belt be over the long term? Will it be consumable?
Naomi Wu : “I think the first impression was that special belts were needed. I think the reality is that it took a larger belt ecosystem to find the right belt. When Charles Pax created ABP, he had at best what McMaster-Carr had to work with. And whatever relatively small assortment of conveyor belts they had, nothing worked, not in paper, Kapton, or other materials he tried to make his own out of. The straps they tried warped from the print or fell apart, so it was decided that more exotic straps were needed.
The fact is that problems such as twisting, stretching, heat resistance are actually not all that unusual in a production environment. Here in Shenzhen, we have had no problem ordering dozens of different belts from local suppliers, designed in different materials to solve exactly these problems. So while I'd like to tell you that the belt is Creality's "secret sauce" or some ridiculous startup crap, it really isn't. There are well-established, proven materials that do exactly what we need really well and do it industrially for thousands of hours in much more severe conditions. Exactly how many hours remains to be seen, but far more than either Carl or I managed to put in even if we were typing 24/7 for weeks at a time.”
Fabbaloo : Obviously modified versions of the current cutting software must be used to prepare a 3D print job for 3D tape printers, and this has been known to work. But how do you think tape printer slicing software will evolve? For example, do we want to randomize the location of a repeating print on the tape to avoid wear, or do we want to automatically generate serial numbers to keep track of the prints that go into the collection container? What other slicing features on a tape printer do you see in the future?
Naomi Wu : “Well, BlackBelt3D has been a huge contributor to the development of BlackBelt Cura and deserves a lot of credit for that.
Bill Steele has a post processor to convert the standard GCODE to infinite Z, but it's nowhere near as perfect. Bringing software and firmware up to an acceptable standard in China is difficult, but now I have the opportunity to hire foreign consultants in Creality, such as Carl Brown and Scott Lachtein - now the lead developer of Marlin. It worked well for them, so I think they will expand it. Therefore, I am confident that software improvements will be done properly, even if we cannot do it ourselves. What features will be added - it will be community feedback."
Fabbaloo : What was the most difficult technical challenge when creating 3DPrintMill? What advice would you give to others intending to develop a belt 3D printer?
Naomi Wu : “I think Carl, Nak3D, really solved the biggest problem when he proved that there is not a single insurmountable problem that stands in the way of inexpensive infinite Z printers.
Of course, belts are the source of the problem but his steel belt works great. 3DPrintMill is not a revolution, it's just an iterative thing. I did not try to invent something completely new - we are not very good at it. I did what they knew in the Chinese factory, and a big team of engineers could do really well: make it cheaper, more reliable, and start mass production. The plan is for 3DPrintMill to be open source, if you want to make a belt printer these design files are a great place to start and I'm really looking forward to seeing what people come up with."
Fabbaloo : Complex 3D printing is much easier if you can use a soluble support material, but it requires the ability to use multiple materials. Do you think it is possible to implement multi-material capabilities on the 3DPrintMill or future versions of the 3D printer? What is the best way to do this?
Naomi Wu : “Multiple printheads is definitely the next step.
It won't be a big deal, but definitely something for the 'professional' version of the printer once this one is released and we get more feedback from users."
Fabbaloo : While I'm sure 3DPrintMill will be of interest to hobbyists, what features will 3DPrintMill and its software bring to the attention of small manufacturers? What will make the device attractive for business?
Naomi Wu : “Automatic printing. The old knock off base trick is cute, but it's time consuming in the real world to set up because each shape of the piece fits the base slightly differently, so it's not a standard practice written into firmware or software slicing. Tray robots work, but they cost as much as the annual salary of two employees. Tape printers - you just put a basket in front of it and the parts pile up. The real key feature we need to implement there is the ability to have one GCODE file of an object on the map and choose in the machine interface how many copies you want.
At the moment this is still done in the slicer and is not optimal.”
Fabbaloo : I'm sure you can't be specific, but can you give us a hint when we might see this amazing device available for purchase?
Naomi Wu : “Aiming for November.”
3D printer to choose for home and hobby A few years ago, 3D printers were bulky industrial machines, but now 3D printing is becoming more accessible for home use. When buying their first printer, many are disappointed. This may be due to the unsatisfactory quality of the resulting models or the complex setup and maintenance of the 3D printer. In the reviews that are found on the Internet, printers are often shown after a lot of upgrades or a long selection of settings for printing. This is not at all the result that a beginner who first got acquainted with 3D printing will get. In order not to be disappointed, before buying, you need to understand which model is suitable for your tasks. If you need to make a small detailed figurine with a perfectly smooth surface, you should pay attention to models that work on LCD technology (LCD works on a principle similar to DLP - Digital Light Processing or “digital light processing”). LCD prints using a photopolymer resin that cures under UV light. This makes it possible to produce without deformation, even small and thin products that cannot be manufactured using FDM technology. Resin model If it is necessary to produce large products with different properties, or the tasks will be very diverse, then the choice is with FDM technology. But it is important to understand that finished products will not have a perfectly smooth surface. Of course, you can polish the model, but this is additional time and labor costs. FDM technology builds a model using molten plastic filament, which is fed from the print head. The print head (extruder) “grows” the model layer by layer on the printing table. FDM Models FDM technology became widespread much earlier than DLP. Thanks to this, a wide variety of 3D printers and consumables for them has appeared. You can find many decorative plastics that mimic various materials, or engineering plastics for making functional models or mock-ups. Photopolymer printers work on one of 3 technologies - DLP, LCD or SLA. As home printers, devices based on LCD technology are usually used due to their availability and low price. SLA technology appeared the very first among photopolymer printers. With the help of a point-focused beam, the desired areas of the resin are gradually illuminated. This is repeated layer by layer. How SLA 9 works0006 Since the surface of the model is perfectly smooth, SLA has become used in the jewelry and dental industries. Pros: Cons: DLP technology appeared later than SLA, but it is very similar to it. The main difference is that the light source is not a focused beam, but a projector. This made it possible to illuminate the entire layer at once, which significantly accelerated the production of models. How DLP works Pros: Faster production of models due to the illumination of the entire layer Consumables are slightly cheaper than SLA High surface quality (although may be inferior to SLA) Cons: LCD technology is the youngest of all. The DLP principle is taken as a basis, but an LCD display is used as a matrix or illumination pattern. LEDs are used as a source of UV light in LCD technology. Thanks to inexpensive components, we managed to get a simple, but high-quality and affordable photopolymer printer. How the LCD printer works Pros: small cost Cheap parts Cons: Low accuracy compared to SLA and DLP (for jewelers and dentists, the quality of LSD prints may not be enough, although more and more accurate models appear with the development of technology) Possible stray light The quality of models may decrease at the edges of the printable area (this can be corrected programmatically) Resins that are used as a consumable for photopolymer printing can smell strongly and unpleasantly during operation. When choosing an LCD printer, pay special attention to the rigidity and positioning accuracy of the platform along the Z axis. If there are poor quality guides along the Z axis or even a slight play, then the surface quality of the finished model may turn out to be sloppy or the model will turn out to be unevenly striped. This is an LCD printer with a matrix that allows you to increase the speed and accuracy of printing. Anycubic Photon Mono will be a good helper for hobbyists and modellers. Anycubic Photon Mono SE has an unusual parallel light source. This minimizes distortion at the edges of the printable area. You can effectively use the entire working area of the machine and produce many small models at a time. Model with high resolution LCD display and large print area. The monochrome display transmits UV rays better and allows you to print much faster than similar devices with a conventional display. The manufacturer claims a screen life of more than 2000 hours. Phrozen Sonic mini 4k is suitable for almost any task. Wanhao GR1 has high precision and large print area (140x78x200mm). The manufacturer tried to reduce distortion at the edges of the display, this allows you to make the most of the entire work area. High precision and large print area make Wanhao GR1 not only for hobby use, but also for production. Small and very budgetary LCD device. Its resolution and small working area (total 97x54x150 mm) is enough for printing small miniatures, figurines or small engineering models. Anycubic Photon Zero is a good choice for beginners who want to get into photopolymer printing without spending a lot of money. If you plan to produce large and diverse functional models or experiment, a 3D printer that prints using FDM technology is an excellent choice. First, decide on the size of the printable area and the properties that the finished model should have. After all, some materials require a closed chamber or good airflow to work. Some printer models can be “upgraded” in the future. For example, if necessary, purchase spare parts for a closed case, put a nozzle of a different diameter, or change the thermal barrier to an all-metal one. But not all manufacturers provide for the possibility of such upgrades. Despite the same principle of operation, there are several different mechanics, which have their pros and cons. Kinematics “Prusa” (Prusa) Perhaps the most popular kinematics among home FDM devices. Mainly due to its simplicity and low cost. Prusa kinematics Pros: Cons: Slow print speeds. A massive table with a model is forced to constantly move along the Y axis, because of this, print quality will be worse at high speeds. Some models have design flaws (for example, insufficient frame rigidity), they can be fixed, but for this you have to be a little inventor. Or find a ready-made solution on the Internet. This category also includes 3D printers with console kinematics. The same prusa, only halved. Because of this, the frame is less rigid, but the printer itself is more compact. Kinematics Ultimaker The extruder moves along the X-Y axes, and the table only along the Z axis. Ultimaker kinematic diagram Pros: Cons: H-BOT or Core-XY These are 2 similar but more complex kinematics - the table moves only along the Z axis, and the extruder along the X-Y. But to move the extruder, 1 or 2 long belts and 2 stepper motors work in concert. Example Core-XY kinematics Pros: High print quality High print speeds without loss of quality. Can be easily closed completely Cons: MakerBot Kinematics Similar to Ultimaker kinematics, but one of the motors is located on the Y or X axis carriage. Pros: Cons: Delta Deltas do not have the usual XYZ axes. There are 3 columns in the deltas, along which the carriages move, and the position of the extruder in space is calculated using a complex formula. The table is usually statically fixed to the body. Delta printer example Pros: Cons: In addition to kinematics, when choosing a printer, it is important to take into account some design features. One or two extruders? Two extruders can be used for dual color printing, but most commonly the second extruder is used for solvent support printing. If you need to print complex parts with internal cavities, then you should choose a dual extruder printer. Closed or open printer? Printing of functional models and parts uses plastic, which usually requires a closed chamber. Bowden or direct? There are 2 types of material supply to the print head of the printer - bowden and direct. In a bowden, the feed mechanism motor is located on the printer body. This allows you to reduce the weight of the extruder and print at higher speeds without losing quality. But because of the long tube, printing with very soft plastics can be problematic. Bowden feeding diagram In direct feeding, the motor and feed mechanism are located on the extruder. This increases the weight of the print head, but allows you to print with any kind of plastics. Direct feeding scheme Heated table or not? The heating of the table improves the adhesion of the first layer of the model. Many manufacturers add useful additional features. They do not affect the quality of the print, but save time and nerves. The most useful additional functions are the filament presence sensor and remembering the print location after a power outage. Filament sensor. It will automatically pause printing if the plastic runs out. When there is a little plastic left on the spool, this feature will allow you not to stand over the guard printer until the old spool runs out in order to have time to push in a new bar “on the go”. Power outage protection. Remembering where to print when the power goes out can save you a lot of nerves when printing large models. You won't have to worry that after a power outage, you will have to run the model again for many hours or cut and reprint a piece of the model. It is especially disappointing to throw away a complex underprinted model with supports due to a one-minute outage. There are also many extras. features that make using the printer more comfortable. For example, automatic calibration, touch screen, Wi-Fi and others. Inexpensive model with Pryusha kinematics. Good for getting started with 3D printing without a big investment. Despite the low cost, Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0 has a heated table and a resume function after a power outage. Thanks to direct feed, printing with soft materials should not be difficult. A very popular device due to its low price. But despite this, the Ender 3 Pro has a heated table and a decent print area. Can be sold assembled or as a DIY kit. Small home appliance intended for children or educational institutions. The Finder doesn't have a heated table, but it does have a calibration assistant, a Wi-Fi module, and other extras that make getting to know it a lot easier. Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus was based on Ultimaker kinematics, but instead of bowden feed, they made direct. Because of this, it will not be possible to print super fast, without quality loss, but there will be no problems with printing with soft types of plastics. There are 2 trim levels - with a closed case and without. The Dreamer is a closed body dual extruder printer with MakerBot kinematics. Thanks to this, he can cope with printing models of any complexity. Using a second extruder for soluble support, models with complex geometries can be produced. A good choice for engineers and those who like to experiment with different materials. Most commonly sold as a kit (assembly kit). Assembly usually does not cause any great difficulties, even for people far from electronics or mechanics. The Flying Bear makes a great first printer for the novice user who is ready to build their own printer. In order for the printer not to become a useless toy, you should clearly understand what it is for. For a fan of miniatures or detailed figurines, a photopolymer printer is a good choice. A small work area is more than offset by the detail that cannot be obtained using other technologies. For an engineer or a fan of experiments, an FDM machine with a closed chamber and two extruders is well suited. This will allow you not to limit yourself in the choice of plastics and comfortably experiment with any materials. For a beginner who has not yet decided whether he needs 3D printing, you can opt for inexpensive machines with slick kinematics. Due to their great popularity, you can find a lot of upgrades and reviews on them.
First of all, it is worth deciding what the printer will be used for. What is the main property that finished products should have? What is more important, the physical properties of the model or the ideal surface and detail? Not only the model depends on this, but also the technology by which the 3D printer will work. Which technology to choose? FDM or LCD?
Now on sale there are many photopolymer resins with different properties. A few years ago the choice was not great.
Basically, finished products were not strong enough for use in functional models. Now engineering resins have begun to appear on sale. Products from them are not inferior in strength to models made using FDM technology from ABS or even nylon. 
Choosing an LCD printer
Printer design
The quality of the surface was slightly inferior to SLA, but modern DLP printers, in terms of the quality of models, are almost as good as SLA technology.
Try to use the printer in a well-ventilated area, or choose a printer with a sealed cabinet and filter. Rating of the best LCD 3D printers for home
Anycubic Photon Mono
Anycubic Photon Mono SE
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Wanhao GR1
Anycubic Photon Zero
Choose FDM printer
Printer design
The main feature is the table that moves along the Y axis, while the extruder moves along the rest of the axes. Because of this, such kinematics was nicknamed “dragstol”.
All motors are trying to be fixed on the body to lighten the weight of the moving mechanisms, thanks to which it is possible to achieve high print quality at high speeds.
Nuances of choosing an FDM 3D printer
If you plan to print functional prototypes or various models, you should look at printers with a closed chamber.
And engineering plastics cannot be printed without a heated table. 
Rating of the best FDM 3D printers for home
Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0
Creality3D Ender 3 Pro
Flash Forge Finder
All moving and heated elements are hidden as much as possible in the case so that the child cannot get burned. Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus
Flashforge Dreamer
FlyingBear Ghost 5
Flying Bear is equipped with a filament sensor, a function to resume printing after a power outage and Wi-Fi connectivity. Totals
Learn more
