MIREA: Modular 3D Printer

History

2025: Product Announcement

In May 2025, specialists from the Russian Technological University of MIREA presented a working prototype of a modular 3D printer, in which you can quickly change printing tools thanks to a unique modular design. The development was carried out by students of the Institute for Advanced Technologies and Industrial Programming and represents a new approach to additive production in the domestic market.

The new 3D printer uses proven layer-by-layer (FDM) technology, but takes it to a whole new level due to its modular architecture. Nikita Kochetov, head of the engineering group for development, fourth-year undergraduate student of the Department of Digital and Additive Technologies at RTU MIREA, noted that the modular system makes it easy to add, remove and replace components, adapting the device for different tasks. This approach eliminates the need to purchase several highly specialized devices with a rigid configuration.

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Фото: MIREA

Conceptually, a new 3D printer can be compared to a children's designer, LEGO where almost any design can be assembled from various blocks. The functionality of the device is determined by a set of interchangeable modules, which allows users to customize the printer for specific tasks: from speed printing with a decorative polymer to multimaterial printing with composites.

This flexible approach turns the printer from a highly specialized device into a multifunctional tool that easily adapts to changing production tasks. This is especially true for research laboratories, educational institutions and small manufacturing companies, where frequent changes in tasks and materials are required with a tight equipment budget.^[1]

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