During a recent episode of the Home Mining Podcast, host Two Sats engaged in a revealing conversation with PizzAndy, the innovative creator of a hybrid 3D printer that not only creates physical objects but also mines Bitcoin. This unique device utilizes an open-source 3D printer design, featuring a custom bed designed to be heat-controlled through the management of Bitcoin mining ASICs attached to it. Essentially, the printer bed functions as a heatsink.
PizzAndy’s compact prototype achieves a hash rate of 500 GH/s, but he has ambitious plans for scaling up. He is working on a tile-based model that incorporates Intel ASICs, aiming for a performance benchmark of at least 10 TH/s. This aspiration marks a significant leap in both the 3D printing and cryptocurrency mining spheres.
The inspiration for this groundbreaking combination emerged for PizzAndy five years ago while he was fine-tuning his basement workspace’s temperature during the winter months. The idea of intertwining 3D printing with heat reuse sparked further interest in 2024 after he attended a presentation on the topic. Initially unsure of its commercial viability, PizzAndy has since grown convinced that his hybrid product could offer significant value.
Two Sats emphasized the necessity for such a dual-purpose product to excel in both domains, ensuring that it meets high standards while cleverly incorporating Bitcoin mining as an added benefit. The discussion also touched upon the growing popularity of home heating products that serve the dual function of Bitcoin mining hardware.
PizzAndy highlighted that the device is primarily designed for use in a print farm environment where 3D printers can operate continuously, as this maximizes profitability—akin to a Bitcoin mine. He stressed the importance of efficiency in this configuration, explaining that if the machines aren’t producing prints, they’re not generating revenue.
In terms of functionality, PizzAndy explained that the prototype reaches its mining capacity at a bed temperature of 75 °C. The integrated Bitcoin mining chips provide waste heat that is used exclusively to warm the printer bed, improving the printing process in contrast to standard BTC mining optimization methods.
The core of this innovative 3D printer is attributed to four BM 1362 AK mining chips, which are essential for achieving the desired thermal environment. PizzAndy has adapted an open-source printer design, modifying the Z-axis and adding essential electronics. For aesthetic flair, he has even included “Bitcoin orange” filament within the printer’s design.
Looking ahead, PizzAndy discussed the potential for creating modular bed tiles, allowing users to expand their printer bed—and consequently their mining operation—indefinitely. This modular concept is set to include 16 mining chips per tile. Although the exact mining hash rate for these tiles remains to be verified, preliminary estimates suggest they could reach between 10 and 30 TH/s using Intel BZM2 ASIC chips. PizzAndy humorously stated, “At least 10 TH/s or we riot,” while teasing that a prototype would be unveiled soon.
An intriguing aspect of PizzAndy’s design is the potential for tailored heating profiles across the printer bed. Each mining chip or tile can be individually addressed, meaning that various sections of the bed could operate at different temperatures to accommodate a range of materials, enhancing overall printing versatility.
The future of this innovative project hinges on its reception within both the 3D printing and cryptocurrency spaces. Whether it takes off commercially or influences established players in the industry remains to be seen, but the underlying concept indeed echoes earlier efforts to merge Bitcoin mining with home heating solutions.
