#3Dstartup: iFactory3D develops conveyor belt 3D printer to print objects of infinite length

The young German startup, iFactory3D is a manufacturer of FDM desktop 3D printers that has developed a rather special machine that integrates a conveyor belt as the 3D printing plate. Called iFactory One, this solution allows to create parts of any length and to produce in series, without any interruption. The machine made its debut on Kickstarter and was a great success with over $100,000 collected in just one week! In addition to its original build plate, the machine is equipped with a system that detects printing errors in real time: the user can follow the process remotely and avoid wasting too much time. The startup iFactory3D hopes to appeal to a public of amateurs with a price of around $1,000. To learn more about this 3D printer, we met Artur Steffen, CEO of the startup.

3DN: Can you introduce yourself and your relationship with 3D printing?

It’s been quite a long time since I first learned about additive manufacturing and related devices. But before the idea of developing the iFactory One 3D printer arose in 2018, nothing in my life had been connected to this sphere. Though I should say that the entire manufacturing process in its various forms wasn’t anything new for me. I had already visited several European factories and had a chance to get deep insights into business workflows and the ways different utility equipment and parts are made. These skills and this knowledge helped me to elaborate a new high-potential product that, I hope, will make possible the evolution of the 3D printing industry.

The two iFactory founders

3DN: Why did you decide to create iFactory3D?

The iFactory3D startup was founded in 2020 as a joint collaboration with my business partner, the German inventor and business chemist Martin Huber. You can’t even imagine Martin’s enthusiasm! He is passionate about creating new things that the community can find valuable. Regarding the iFactory One, a few years ago, Martin was in the process of developing his latest device and he required many parts that would normally cost around $20,000 to print. Being a very pragmatic person, Martin decided to avoid wasting time and money by printing these parts on his own. Unfortunately, things got out of hand and he had to purchase so many 3D printers that he eventually had a real 3D printing farm. However, these devices were too hard to supervise and demanded all the time and effort in the world from Martin. Looking at the resources he had spent and the imperfections in the 3D printing market resulted in his desire to explore new opportunities and possible forms of product and process enhancement.