According to the German startup iFactory3D, “the device that is undoubtedly able to change the world exists. This is a 4-in-1 3D printer for home use characterized by Automatic working process;
Remote monitoring and control feature carried out by a user from any place; Cloud-enabled technical support and Embedded AI-algorithms responsible for error protection”.
To prove that, iFactory3D’s team has recently launched a new campaign with their brainchild. A conveyor belt 3D printer named the iFactory One was presented on Kickstarter. And the project has become so successful that it raised over $100,000 and achieved the necessary goal just within a few days.
“3D printers for personal use were considered expensive toys for quite a long time. This happened because of their limited application and known difficulties in control. Regardless, we bent every effort to facilitate the work with the device and to improve customers’ awareness in the ways 3D printers can be used at home. So, instead of weeks and months of waiting for the goods ordered from other continents to be delivered, at the very moment everyone can easily print most of them by means of a 3D printer in half an hour,” specifies Artur Steffen, CEO of iFactory3D.
The described iFactory One device, created by the German inventor Martin Huber, has a handy design for home and small-scale productions. Moreover, its working process is based on the predetermined program, so it nearly doesn’t require human participation anymore.
Thanks to its peculiar pyramid shape, the printer is a well-balanced solution that needs no perfect surface to function properly. In fact, it is able to work from any angle.
The key benefit of the 3D printer is an inbuilt conveyor belt that differs greatly from a standard fixed plate usually seen in similar models. This ‘belt concept’ is presented in the infinite printing platform that allows users to print objects of any length, start their own-grown production and even create the whole home-made line-up.
Another significant advantage of the iFactory One includes its user-friendliness. This means, for example, that the printing process, even of a large number of objects, doesn’t need user involvement. The conveyor belt is designed in a way to release objects automatically, so that the finished prototypes are stored in a special box attached to the 3D printer.
In addition, it is the responsibility of cloud-based technical support and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to ensure that the 3D printer function is accurate, precise and error free. As noted by iFactory experts, “statistics show that most common problems in 3D printers occur because of assembly defects, wrong equipment calibration and incorrect initial setting. In the case with the iFactory One all these steps are carried out by a certified service team remotely, i.e. using a cloud infrastructure.”
Printing errors can be eliminated here with the AI algorithms of the embedded print error protection system PrinterGUARD. This error detection mechanism will be able to identify and correct the five most common 3D printing errors, and further send the related notifications to the owner by email or messenger. In the future, the AI self-learning feature is expected to evolve and increase the number of detected errors up to 20. As for iFactory One software updates, they will be downloaded via the Internet. “Through this process the device will definitely improve and never become obsolete,” adds Artur Steffen.
According to him, new features of the iFactory One, previously unavailable in any other 3D printer, will make this device as popular and affordable as a microwave oven. Especially given the fact that the 3D printer by iFactory3D is priced below $1,000.
“You know for sure, that if you need a car spare part, or a door-handle to replace, or just want to present your child with a new toy, you have to choose, order and buy all of these in a conventional store or via the Internet. However, the iFactory One can easily settle the appeared issues within half an hour. Moreover, while visiting shopping malls your choice is limited by a standard backet offered by the market. By means of the 3D printing machine you are able to create an object of your own unique and exceptional style!” explains Artur Steffen.
