RepRaps finally get the attention they deserve.
April 21, 2008
RepRaps (Replicating Rapid-prototyper) is a 3D printer that builds parts by printing this sheets of plastic on top of each other. What this means is that one can take a 3D computer model and automatically build it using the reprap. Another great thing about repraps, is that they are “self-replicating.” What I mean by that is that they can print out their own parts (at least the major ones) in order to build another one.
What is even greater about repraps is that they are distributed under the GNU (General Public Licence). This way anyone can build and improve on them. Furthermore, say someone improves the design of a reprap. All they have to do, is upload the model for the new parts and all other reprap owners can just print out the new parts and perform the upgrade.
What is even more mind boggling is the possible applications of this technology. Say you have a blender that breaks. Now imagine just going to the manufactures website, downloading the 3D model for the piece that’s broken, printing it and just replacing it. Of course this is a banal example, but one can see its ramifications.
The technology is not quite there yet, as it only prints plastic pieces. However, there are people already working on how to print using metals that have very low melting points. I myself can’t wait to get my hands on one of these (it costs about $600 to build one of these).
Check out the full story here.
