Archiv:RepRap

WTF?

This project is about building a 3D printer for rapid prototyping. In contrast to a milling machine the process is additive i.e. the workpiece is built-up layer by layer, usually from thermoplastic material. Some commercial devices exists - needless to say, they are pricey. The goal of a RepRap machine is the ability to print almost all parts it consists of, hence a self-replicating rapid prototyper.

After seing Vik's presentation about how to build a RepRap we've started our own implementation of a RepRap. Then Bre Pettis came by in November 2007 and decided to build a McWire-based RepRap for Roboexotica. In a week. Metalab inherited Bre's RepRap (yay!) and it's now used as a basis for our own RepRap. Note: At the moment, what we're building is really a RepStrap. Status Parts ordered from the RepRap Research Foundation for XYZ axis and extruder boards. XYZ axis is working. We can now also control our CNC machine from the RepRap software using a modified Arduino firmware and a CNC Arduino shield. First version of the extruder is resurrected from Bre's old parts and successfully extrudes HDPE. We can print handcoded objects using a quick and dirty Arduino firmware. Next step is to test a complete run from design to printed part. A lot of stuff will go wrong here, and the TODO list will depend on the outcome, but more work on the extruder is needed. Materials in the Lab Two glasses CAPA/Polymorph -> went missing after the camp? A roll of HDPE All necessary boards, electronics and plastic parts for the RepRap and some spare parts Links RepRap Homepage (wiki) RepRap Builder Blog RepRap Project Blog