3D Printer Technological Recursion

The 3D printer is a good case for technological recursion, and perhaps it can be used as a model for what can be done.

We can take the Simple 3D Printer - a largely printed 3D printer at $160 material cost - to an extreme.

We can use the D3D CNC Circuit Mill as in its current state to produce the extruder. We can use a small induction furnace to make aluminum from scrap, though this is a messy process not recommended for the uninitiated. So you can get stock at $7/foot [1] of 1/2"x2" bar stock- or $1 per extruder body.

There is no super-simple way to generate aluminum wire, but maybe a desktop induction furnace which eats aluminum cans would be a great idea for recycling. See CEB Press Aluminum Baler

With the Induction Furnace Construction Set, we can do the melt-down - probably in 100 lb volumes so that the process is efficient.

Without induction it is still possible.

Cost is driven down to $140.

We can likely MIG cast the rods - or print rods in hard pastic such as polypropylene or polycarbonate, or simply use EMT tubing for the precision.

To engineer a common-materials 3D printer for high performance is indeed an interesting challenge.

Tubes can be reinforced, such as with plaster of paris filler.