RepRap - Rapid Prototype Machine Project

**NiSlo** · 04-08-2008, 10:28 PM

Heys Guys,

I thought a few of you might be interested in the RepRap project. It is basically a project to create a DIY rapid prototype machine for about $400GBP. Once built it is able to create the parts required to build another machine - it can build itself.

It's a great idea, the plans are free and development is ongoing. You can see more info on the project at the RepRap homepage.

**2k1Toaster** · 04-08-2008, 11:36 PM

3D printers are awesome. One of the few toys I havent been able to get my hands on. When we got the laser cutter these 3D machines were upwards of $70k USD. Laser was only $28k USD

Only problem is the cost of the powder/goo that the UV beam reacts with.

**NiSlo** · 04-09-2008, 12:25 AM

The RepRad doesn't actually use the powder/laser system. It uses coils of HDPE, heats them up and extrudes them onto the work surface and builds up that way.

**2k1Toaster** · 04-09-2008, 12:41 AM

Interesting... HDPE is high density poly-propelyne or however you spell it right? Can you use the stuff at the hardware store?

Did you build one?

**quantum** · 04-09-2008, 12:43 AM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

When we got the laser cutter these 3D machines were upwards of $70k USD. Laser was only $28k USD

You have a laser cutter? Can we be best friends?

**rdholtz** · 04-09-2008, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by 2k1Toaster

Interesting... HDPE is high density poly-propelyne or however you spell it right?

No, it's high-density polyethylene. Different stuff.

It's what my Scion xB dash bezel is made from, and I'm building a revised bezel with it. There's information on polyethylene -- including sources -- in the worklog in my sig. See posts 17, 21, 30, 31, and 59.

**NiSlo** · 04-09-2008, 06:41 PM

@ 2k1 - Nah, I haven't built one yet. I only stumbled across the information yesterday.

I've got a couple of projects lined up at the moment (don't we all), but this is definatley something that I'd really like to build down the track.

**rdholtz** · 04-10-2008, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by quantum

You have a laser cutter? Can we be best friends?

You want a laser cutter to go with your RepRap? Here's an Instructable that says you can make one for under 50 bucks. I confess that I haven't made one myself, either, but it is tempting. I think I oughta finish the CarPC project first.

**2k1Toaster** · 04-10-2008, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by rdholtz

You want a laser cutter to go with your RepRap? Here's an Instructable that says you can make one for under 50 bucks. I confess that I haven't made one myself, either, but it is tempting. I think I oughta finish the CarPC project first.

200mW laser?

The old one i use is 30W. Has a tube about 1m x 25cm x 25cm. Tube alone is $600USD

If this thing could cut through wood/plastic (3mm to 6mm minimum) then I would build one, even for $1000USD. But 200mW from an optical drive, is a little useless for anything but vinyl.

Still good to know that people are making things, that semi-work!