Researcher Printed a 3D Benchy in Under 60 Seconds
The record-setting print used a custom cable-driven motion system and high-velocity kinematics.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Robotics
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Developer Yan Roetz successfully printed a 3D Benchy in under 60 seconds using a highly modified, custom-built 3D printer. The achievement, documented in September 2026, represents a significant push in mechanical motion control for additive manufacturing.
Why it matters
This experiment pushes the limits of speed-printing kinematics by testing the physical structural integrity and cooling capacity required for rapid layer deposition. It highlights the trade-offs between extreme throughput and print quality, as the final part exhibited notable defects like cooling artifacts and stringing.
The system achieved accelerations of 200 g during the final print, driven by a motion platform with a reduced moving mass of 60 g. The print was processed at a 0.25 mm layer height using a 0.5 mm nozzle, requiring 400 liters of pressurized air per minute for active cooling.
The players
Yan Roetz
An additive manufacturing developer who specializes in high-speed motion systems and custom kinematics.
The details
The printer operates on a cable-driven motion system mounted to a 1,300 kg Johansson Cordmatic 7000 base to minimize vibration. To reach these speeds, the system utilizes a custom hot end—the component that melts the filament—and specialized pressurized-air cooling to manage the rapid deposition of Volcano PLA. OrcaSlicer software was used to generate the necessary G-code, while a waterjet-cut carbon fiber assembly formed the rigid print platform.
Timeline
September 2026: Yan Roetz documented the sub-60-second print run.
2025: 5minlab released the 3D Printer Simulator software.
2026: 3D Printing Industry began its AMA series.
The Tech Race
The pursuit of sub-60-second printing positions this custom rig against the current industry trend of commercial high-speed desktop printers. By open-sourcing the winch kinematics, the project aims to establish a new performance baseline for local manufacturing workflows.
Current methods for achieving these print speeds remain highly experimental and require specialized infrastructure, such as 400 liters of pressurized air per minute. While not immediately accessible for standard users, these advancements indicate future potential for faster prototyping in local manufacturing.
The takeaway
This print demonstrates that mechanical limits can be overcome with high-mass damping and high-velocity motion systems, though cooling and material extrusion remain significant bottlenecks. Watch for the forthcoming release of the open-source winch kinematics to see how these methods scale.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in high-speed hardware in our Robotics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 3D Printing Industry.
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