RepRap: Difference between revisions

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{{mergefrom|Rep Rap}}
{{Template:Category=RepRap}}


==Overview==


=Introduction=
[[Image:reprapicon.jpg|right|250px]]RepRap - the self '''rep'''licating '''rap'''id prototyper- is a 3D printer, a machine capable of instantiating any shape you can think of in plastic. It was designed to be able to replicate all its own structural components. It is one of the most famous and successful open hardware projects completed to date and is a key tool in [[RepLab]], our proposed self-replicating [[Digital Fabrication|digital fabrication]] workshop.


See http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/WebHome
==Details==
The plastic shapes that RepRap prints can even be used as molds for casting metal objects, for example the [[Solar Turbine Prototype at Factor e Farm]]. Its primary feedstock is PLA (polylactic acid). This can be made by fermenting starch.


Briefly
[http://www.reprap.org RepRap.org] is the projects home page, and includes very clear instructions on how to build your own RepRap.
:RepRap is a form of Universal Constructor. A Universal Constructor is a machine that can copy itself. The idea was originally von Neumann's.  


* [[RepRap and Electronics Fabrication Router Specifications]]
The open-source designs allow a great deal of flexibility and customization. A digitally-controlled tool that is free to move in three dimensions has many uses beyond 3D printing plastic. It has also been used to [[Making circuit boards with RepRap|print circuit boards]] by replacing the plastic extruder head with a small router. The motors and control board have been adapted for our [[Torch Table]]


* [[Rapid Prototyping]]
RepRap, like all healthy open-source projects, is continually evolving. The picture to the right shows the first generation, called Darwin. There is now a second generation RepRap called [http://reprap.org/wiki/Mendel#Mendel_vs._Darwin Mendel] and there are prototypes of the third generation: Huxley. (All RepRap iterations are called after prominent biologists because RepRap is technology with the biological attributes of evolution and self-replication.)




==Latest Update - 9.20.09 ==
*Also adaptable to solid state laser head, so it could  do circuits via lithography?
 
*Connecting rods extrudable on a small scale, see [[Metal Extrusion Specifications]]
Chris of [http://hydraraptor.blogspot.com/2009/07/hydraraptors-second-child.html HydraRaptor] just printed a set of parts for the [[Factor e Farm]] [[RepRap]]. See his [http://hydraraptor.blogspot.com/2009/07/hydraraptors-second-child.html blog post] on the replication.
* [[Rapid Prototyping]]
 
Here are some additional pictures:
 
<gallery>
Image:fefrepstrap1.jpg
 
Image:fefrepstrap2.jpg
 
Image:fefrepstrap3.jpg
 
Image:fefrepstrap4.jpg
 
Image:fefrepstrap5.jpg
 
Image:reprapicon.jpg
</gallery>
 
=Electronics=
 
The newest generation of reprap electronics is Generation 3. http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/Generation3Electronics
 
Here is Edward, one of our [[True Fans]], holding up the semi-completed Motherboard which he will use to build Factor e Farm's first
 
RepRap machine:
[[File:Reprap13.jpg]]
 
The chips come in kits that must be soldered and surface mounted.
 
[[File:Reprap9.jpg]]
 
[[File:Reprap7.jpg]]
 
Here is Edward and a friend working on the Motherboard and Extruder Controller.
 
[[File:Reprap5.jpg]]
 
=Sourcing=
[[RepRap Part Sourcing]]
*z axis motors - http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/m2038p.html they are $4.50,
*and here http://www.surplusshed.com/pages/item/r2028.html they are only $2.00!


== open questions ==
<html>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/5202148?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="425" height="340" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
</html>


* Can the RepRap print out a working steam engine? See [[Steam Engine Construction Set]].
==Research==
* [http://reprap.org/wiki/McWire_Cartesian_Bot_1_2 McWire Cartesian Bot]
* [http://dev.forums.reprap.org/read.php?1,30974 RepRap discussion forum]  
* [http://reprap.org/wiki/Automated_Circuitry_Making RepRap wiki] has more details on how to use open-source RepRap-based desktop routers to cut PCBs out of copper-clad board.
* [http://www.all-spec.com/products/65ASA.html SMP Tweezers]


=See Also=
*{{3D Printer}}
*[[3D Printer Development]]
*[http://imagina-canarias.blogspot.com/2008/10/convergencia-de-tecnologas-abiertas.html Convergence of Open Source Technologies]
*[[Digital Fabrication]]




[[Category:Flexible_Industry]]
[[Category:Digital Fabrication]]
[[Category:RepRap]]
[[Category:RepRap]]

Latest revision as of 01:16, 29 September 2011

Main > Digital Fabrication > RepLab Tools > RepRap


Overview

Reprapicon.jpg

RepRap - the self replicating rapid prototyper- is a 3D printer, a machine capable of instantiating any shape you can think of in plastic. It was designed to be able to replicate all its own structural components. It is one of the most famous and successful open hardware projects completed to date and is a key tool in RepLab, our proposed self-replicating digital fabrication workshop.

Details

The plastic shapes that RepRap prints can even be used as molds for casting metal objects, for example the Solar Turbine Prototype at Factor e Farm. Its primary feedstock is PLA (polylactic acid). This can be made by fermenting starch.

RepRap.org is the projects home page, and includes very clear instructions on how to build your own RepRap.

The open-source designs allow a great deal of flexibility and customization. A digitally-controlled tool that is free to move in three dimensions has many uses beyond 3D printing plastic. It has also been used to print circuit boards by replacing the plastic extruder head with a small router. The motors and control board have been adapted for our Torch Table

RepRap, like all healthy open-source projects, is continually evolving. The picture to the right shows the first generation, called Darwin. There is now a second generation RepRap called Mendel and there are prototypes of the third generation: Huxley. (All RepRap iterations are called after prominent biologists because RepRap is technology with the biological attributes of evolution and self-replication.)


Research

See Also