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Tuesday, June 10, 2008
RepRap - A 3D Machine That Replicates Itself
The major difference between a living and an inanimate object is its ability to reproduce itself. This theory is shattered with the arrival of RepRap (Replicating Rapid-prototyper). It's a machine that can replicate itself. 100 researchers have worked on this project since 2004 and have now showcased their product at the Cheltenham Science Festival in the UK.
Image - RepRap
Adrian Bowyer (left) and Vik Olliver (right) with a parent RepRap machine, made on a conventional rapid prototyper, and the first complete working child RepRap machine, made by the RepRap on the left. The child machine made its first successful grandchild part at 14:00 hours UTC on 29 May 2008 at Bath University in the UK, a few minutes after it was assembled.
Adrian Bowyer (left) and Vik Olliver (right) with a parent RepRap machine, made on a conventional rapid prototyper, and the first complete working child RepRap machine, made by the RepRap on the left. The child machine made its first successful grandchild part at 14:00 hours UTC on 29 May 2008 at Bath University in the UK, a few minutes after it was assembled.
RepRap is the first 3D printer that can reproduce its own components. Instead of printing on bits of paper this 3D printer makes real, mechanical parts. The existing technology costs $30,000. The RepRap team has cut down the cost by designing a cheaper machine. Their version which is available for free under the GNU General Public Licence can be built within $400.
People already "run their own CD burners, printing presses and photographic laboratories", said Adrian Bowyer, the University of Bath mechanical engineer who launched the RepRap project. "There's no reason they shouldn't run their own factories as well."
Find more information, including instructions for building your own replicating RepRap printer at RepRap.org
People already "run their own CD burners, printing presses and photographic laboratories", said Adrian Bowyer, the University of Bath mechanical engineer who launched the RepRap project. "There's no reason they shouldn't run their own factories as well."
Find more information, including instructions for building your own replicating RepRap printer at RepRap.org
Labels: Instrumentation-Engineering, Manufacturing-Production-Engineering
PermaLink - RepRap - A 3D Machine That Replicates Itself posted by Vanessa : 12:09 AM
