DIY duo turns treadmill into belt-driven limitless 3D printer

What just happened? In a workshop filled with the whir of machines and the scent of fresh plastic, two makers have found a new use for an old piece of exercise equipment. Ivan Miranda and Jón Schone, both well-known in the DIY 3D printing community, have transformed a discarded treadmill into a massive belt-driven 3D printer. Their project pushes the boundaries of what's possible with home fabrication. The idea began with a simple question: could the moving belt of a treadmill be adapted to serve as the conveyor in a 3D printer, allowing for prints of virtually unlimited length? For Miranda and Schone, the answer was yes, but getting there took a blend of ingenuity, technical skill, and a willingness to experiment with unconventional materials. Their process started with stripping the treadmill down to its essentials. They kept the sturdy frame and the continuous rubber belt, which would become the heart of their new machine. The team then mounted linear rails directly onto the trea ... Read full article.