Rep Rap

Communications

Hi,

I just found out about openfarmtech.org. I greatly admire your open work. I’m working with the RepRap project to build a 3D printer. This would seem like one of the more useful machines that you could have. For stronger objects, you could even use 3D prints for lost model casting of metals.

Its primary feedstock is PLA (polylactic acid) that can be made by fermenting starch. The feedstock is bought now, but it could be home-grown plastics. I’d like to learn more about the process of doing this without specialized tools (in a domestic context). This is because it should be transferable. Perhaps it is of interest to you too.

Best regards from the Netherlands,

Erik

P.s. to read more about the RepRap Open Source 3D printer: http://www.reprap.org

Posting your comment.

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Erik,

Thanks for contacting us. We have RepRap as a priority high on the list, and are highly interested in our collaboration with RepRap. What is the present status of performance? What is the object size that can be printed successfully and replicably today? What is the replicable resolution? I am particularly interested in metal casting molds.

We have considered RepRap in mold making for metal casting. The present application is a steam engine for our Solar Turbine project - http://openfarmtech.org/index.php?title=Solar_Turbine_Prototype_at_Factor_e_Farm

We have a design for a 3kW system that costs $3k in materials. We believe that we are near absolute breakthrough in delivering a replicable solar electic energy system.

I will be writing a proposal for the turbine soon - based on our learnings from the implementation convergence.

Are you by any chance available to visit us for 2 weeks and build RepRap with us? I could also consider going to visit you, in order to come home with a working RepRap. We are willing to pay to have one built for us if it meets our requirements.

Let me know your thoughts. RepRap is the most exotic, cutting edge open source project that I know of, and it has huge potential for significant economic impact on society.

Marcin joseph.dolittle@gmail.com Open Source Ecology http://openfarmtech.org/weblog/