Moving 3D Printer

3D printing is the building and design method of the future. Standard building methods will soon be replaced by the more accurate and more efficient 3D printing. The only issue with this transition is the fact that 3D printers are restricted by the size of their printing region. A 3D printer can obviously only print objects to match the size of its’ printing bed. Most printers today can only print objects that are 1 ft x 1 ft at the most, this new design of the 3D printer knows no bounds. This new printer has the ability to print objects as large as buildings. This new printer has no print bed, it actively runs on wheels allowing it to travel in all directions as it prints, so it is not limited to a print bed. Its’ wheels mirror that of a zero turn lawn mower, so the printer can turn without having to leave the path of the material. The printer will be able to extend upwards, using a series of chains and sprockets, as well as moving forwards and backwards, making it capable of printing objects that could be multiple feet high and infinitely wide and long. The printer will download mill paths and follow that path in whatever room it is placed in. The printer will also have a docking station that will allow it to reload more material as it prints, making the printing process continuous and able to run seamlessly throughout the night. With a docking station it will not be necessary for someone to be constantly watching the printer and waiting for it to run out of material. The printer also has the potential to be connected to other printers so that the printing process can be accomplished by multiple printers at the same time. This new design of the 3D printer will revolutionize the modeling world. Massive 3D printers will become objects of the past as small printers will be able to make massive objects. 3D printed cars and houses become accessible goals and the fast moving field of 3D modeling will improve exponentially. Participants: Justin Blowers and Gaganjot Sekho