Stephen A. Lawrence wrote: > Mauro Lacy wrote: > >> Talking about the power of Open Source, what about the same concept but >> applied to material goods? >> >> The first version of RepRap, an almost completely self replicating 3D >> printer, is ready: >> http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/WebHome >> >> At least in theory, it can achieve exponential propagation, and fast >> development and improvement cycles. Some kind of evolutionary machine. >> I wonder how many time I'll have to wait for someone to print me one ;-) >> > > This is a very cool gadget -- thanks for the link. > > I don't think you'll get a copy made entirely on a Reprap any time soon, > though. Rapid prototyping "3-d printers" already exist, of course, and > the current version of RepRap uses the same technology, according to the > linked page ... which means it makes plastic parts. The 'printing' > step, as I understand it, uses either powder which is fused to form > solid plastic or liquid plastic which is thermoset, and either way it's > pretty much limited to things which can be fabricated out of blocks of > plastic. > > So, this version can't draw the wires, put the insulation on them, make > those metal rods which form the framework on which the plastic parts are > hung, or make any of the electronics which make it go. Presumably it > doesn't actually assemble the new gadget, either; it makes the plastic > pieces and then the assembly is done by a human. > > None the less it is surely a very cool gadget. > > The web page also links to a .doc file describing work that's been done > on more flexible prototyping, which also sounds very nifty. I haven't > read the details, but from a quick skim, it appears that they use Wood's > metal to keep the temps down to something the gadget can handle, and > they can prototype at least some of the electronics that way. > > Still be a long, long time before they can print computer chips or draw > high performance wires on your desktop, of course. >
Yes, I know. An very interesting aspect of the reprap is that it is an open design, published under the GNU license. The GNU license mandates that all the changes to a project must be published. That means that if it catches some attention, it can evolve very quicky into different and relatively cheap 3D printers and CNC machines (partially self-replicating, or not.) In my opinion, there are two major obstacles to its growth at the moment: - It is relatively complex to build and assemble. At the moment, it is a project for specialists, from specialists. - It is expensive. Although much more cheaper than a "real" 3D printer, the full kit still costs around US$ 1500. In the near future, they say the cost can go down to around $400, if someone print the printable parts for you, and the non-printable part lower their costs due to demand. Version II promises to print electrical wires, and incorporate a laser cutter, multiple heads, etc. Maybe in one or two years, the project will start to look really good and affordable. Regards, Mauro
