IVI Is a Closed-Loop 3D Printer, Laser Cutter, and CNC Mill

Most automated machine tools are closed-loop, which means that the tool is constantly checking to make sure that it’s moving as intended. An industrial CNC mill, for example, will have encoders on each axis so the machine can verify that it has moved the specified distance. 3D printers, on the other hand, are usually open-loop and don’t have any way to make sure that each axis is moving as intended. The new IVI 3D printer is the exception, and it also offers a lot more than just 3D printing.

IVI recently launched on Kickstarter, and has already reached eight times its funding goal. It’s easy to see why: IVI is incredibly affordable and packs in tons of features that are virtually unheard of in the consumer 3D printer market. It’s a delta-style 3D printer with a build area of 210x220 mm (8.3x8.6 inches) that has an accuracy of 15 microns in each axis and a print speed of 30–200 mm/s.

Additional features include a 5" color touchscreen, built-in cameras, remote control, and a modular print head system for quick swaps. But it’s the closed-loop control system that really makes IVI stand out. It uses magnetic encoders to constantly monitor the position of each axis. If the print head somehow ends up in an unexpected location, due to skipped steps or even you bumping into it, IVI will immediately move it back into the correct location so it can continue working.

That modular print head system also means you can turn IVI into a number of other machines simply by swapping the head. At launch, there will be the FDM 3D printing head, a CNC carving module, a 500mW laser engraving module, and a 2500mW laser engraving module. There are also plans to release an SLA 3D printing module and a 3D scanning module in the future.

If you want an IVI 3D printer, the Kickstarter campaign will be running until May 16th. Backers can get the printer itself for $399, and have the option to purchase additional modules. Rewards are expected to be delivered in October.