Prototype Of Machine That Copies Itself Goes On Show

RepRap is short for replicating rapid-prototyper; it employs atechnique called ‘additive fabrication’. The machineworks a bit like a printer, but, rather than squirting ink ontopaper, it puts down thin layers of molten plastic which solidify.These layers are built up to make useful 3D objects.
RepRap has, so far, been capable of making everyday plastic goodssuch as door handles, sandals and coat hooks. Now, the machine hasalso succeeded in copying all its own 3D-printed parts.
These parts have been printed and assembled by RepRap team member,Vik Olliver, in Auckland, New Zealand, into a new RepRap machinethat can replicate the same set of parts for yet another RepRapmachine and so on ad infinitum. While 3D printers have beenavailable commercially for about 25 years, RepRap is the first thatcan essentially print itself.
The RepRap research and development project was conceived, and isdirected, by Dr Adrian Bowyer, a senior lecturer in engineering inthe Faculty of Engineering & Design at the University of Bath,UK.
Dr Bowyer said that: “These days, most people in thedeveloped world run a professional-quality print works,photographic lab and CD-pressing plant in their own house, allcourtesy of their home PC. Why shouldn't they also run their owndesktop factory capable of making many of the things they presentlybuy in shops, too?
“The possibilities are endless. Now, people can make exactlywhat they want. If the design of an existing object does not quitesuit their needs, they can easily redesign it on their PC and printthat out, instead of making do with a mass-produced second-bestdesign from the shops. They can also print out extra RepRapprinters to give to their friends. Then those friends can make whatthey want too.”
Recently, Chris DiBona, Open Source Programs Manager at Google Inc,encouraged people to: "Think of RepRap as a China on yourdesktop."
Sir James Dyson, Chief Executive of the Dyson Group, said:“RepRap is a different, revolutionary way of approachinginvention. It could allow people to change the ergonomics of adesign to their own specific needs.”
Dr Bowyer hopes people will come to the Cheltenham Science Festivaland see both the 'parent' and the 'child' RepRap machines in actionfor the first time together.
"RepRap is the most enjoyable research project I've everrun," he said. "Without the many talented and selflessvolunteers the RepRap project has all round the world, it wouldhave never succeeded so quickly."
Complete plans for the prototype RepRap 3D printer and detailedtutorials to aid motivated amateurs (and professionals) inassembling one are available, free-of-charge, at the RepRap website(details below). The materials, plus the minority of parts that themachine cannot print, cost about £300. All those non-printedparts can be bought at hardware shops or from online stores.
RepRap website: http://reprap.org