The RepRap

Bonjour!

and welcome back!

Today I want to introduce the RepRap to you.

The RepRap is not only 3D printer. It’s an attempt to engineer a printer which can print another printer. For now you could name it a replicator (why it isn’t I explain you later).

The core element of the RepRap is a plastic extruder which heats plastic up until it melts. A bunch of stepper motors move the extruder over the ground and the printer starts with the first layer of the object of your desire. After finishing the first layer, the extruder moves up and begins with the next layer on top of the first one. So the object grows from layer to layer higher until it is complete. 

That’s it for today. But stay tuned, because:

Progress never sleeps!

Here you can see a Video of the printer.

Blueprints in my mind!

„Nihao!“

and welcome back! Today I present you the base of my idea and how all has begun.

So let’s start!

I’m a 23 years old student from Germany.  My subject is Medical informatics and Biomedical engineering.  In the moment I visit the sixth of seven semesters. Last year I took my practical semester at an “Institut für klinische Physik und Biomedizintechnik” (institute for clinical physic and biomedical engineering). During that time I discovered the fact that you have to pay a huge amount for spare parts out of plastic. Just like this knob costs around 100€ (140$). 
 

So the first thoughts began to settle down, but nothing important happens for a longer period. Until the day I read in a magazine (Business Punk, issue 02_10) about 3D printers, especially about the Makerbot from Makerbot Industries, and the whole concept of rapid prototyping. A train hit me! Why not using such a device for reproducing my spare parts? 

An idea was born!

Like a hound smelling the prey I started to gather information:

What types of 3D printers are available?

How do they work?

What do they need?

Where are the limits of printing?

After a while I stumble upon the “RepRap Wiki” and the “David” laser scanning system. But about that I will tell you in the next post.
 

So stay tuned, because:

Progress never sleeps!