RepRap Technology
RepRap – the replicating rapid prototyper
R. Jones, P. Haufe, E. Sells, P. Iravani, V. Olliver, C. Palmer and A. Bowyer, “RepRap – the replicating rapid prototyper,” Robotica, 29(1), 177-191, 2011.
Abstract:
This paper presents the results to date of the RepRap project – an ongoing project that has made and distributed freely a replicating rapid prototyper. We give the background reasoning that led to the invention of the machine, the selection of the processes that we and others have used to implement it, the designs of key parts of the machine and how these have evolved from their initial concepts and experiments, and estimates of the machine's reproductive success out in the world up to the time of writing (about 4500 machines in two and a half years).
Notes:
- Give history of RepRap
- Started in 2004
- First RepRap self reproduction in 2008
- Originally designed to print ABS
- PLA chosen as an alternative print material as it is plant-based and biodegradable
- 48% self replicating excluding fasteners, 13% including fasteners (For both Darwin and Mendel)
- Mendel possible self replication of 57% (excluding fasteners) if bearings are replaced with printed plain bearings.
- From Table 1- Mendel: Cost-350 Euros, Deposition Rate-15 mL/hr, Nozzle Diameter-0.5mm, Positioning Accuracy-0.1mm,
Open Design and the Reprap Project
D. Holland, G. O'Donnell, and G. Bennett, “Open Design and the Reprap Project,” 27th International Manufacturing Conference', 97-106, 2010.
Abstract:
This paper details the investigation of an emerging trend within technology development: ‘open design’. Improvements in communications and computing technology have made collaboration over geographically vast distances possible. This technology has already had a major impact on the field of engineering, from the development of CAD/CAE/CAM practices to the emergence of concurrent engineering. Taking the lead from open source software, open design is an approach to technology development in which technical design information is licensed in such a manner that it can be accessed, utilised, modified and redistributed by anyone. The potential implications of this concept can be inferred from the impact of open source software. A review of the existing literature on the subject was conducted. A practical demonstration of the process was undertaken, via an attempt to contribute to an existing open design technology: the RepRap. This is a low cost rapid prototyper capable of manufacturing the parts required to make a copy of itself. The ability to use resin as a construction material was identified as a requirement of the device. An approach to integrating resin extrusion within the device was selected, a suitable material identified, and an experimental rig designed and assembled. Initial test results indicated that resin extrusion is viable for the RepRap.
Notes:
- Discusses the benefits of "open design" - advancement of technology, rapid evolution of designs, efficient debugging, ability to deal with uncertainty about a new technologies success.
- Good brief history of the RepRap
- Investigated the possibility of using resins as a feedstock - Used a UV curable adhesive resin
- Created experimental, syringe-based extruder run on a 3-axis desktop CNC machine (not a RepRap)
- Experiments to investigate feasibility, cure times, effect of mixing resin with additives, using ABS and resin, and using ABS as a support structure.
- Found that only high viscosity resins produced acceptable print quality without any support structure.
- ABS can be successfully use as a support material in combination with low viscosity resins. It can later be removed by submerging the part in acetone which dissolves the ABS but keeps the resin intact.
An Open Source Hardware-based Mechatronics Project: The Replicating Rapid 3-D Printer
J. Kentzer, B. Koch, M. Thiim, R.W. Jones, and E. Villumsen, “An Open Source Hardware-based Mechatronics Project: The Replicating Rapid 3-D Printer,” 2011 4th International Conference on Mechatronics', 1-8, 2011.
Abstract:
This contribution reviews the execution of an open source hardware (OSHW) project as part of the Master in Mechatronics Degree Programme at the University of Southern Denmark. There were a number of reasons that motivated us to carry out this project; educational, intellectual and research reasons. Open source projects provide unique opportunities for students to gain experience solving real-world problems. There was also a research consideration in pursuing an OSHW project. Three of the authors of this contribution are working towards a Master's Degree in Innovation and Business and wanted to carry out an OSHW project as a precursor to doing research work on the `Commercialization of OSHW Projects'. The choice of the project was all important and we choose to build a 3-D printer using information provided by the RepRap Open Source Community because this satisfied nearly all our specifications for an OSHW project. Our experiences in constructing a 3-D printer as well as documenting the areas where the open source information currently has deficiencies are documented here.
Notes:
- Outlines the history of Open Source Hardware (OSHW) from Open Source Software
- Use of Open Source Appropriate Technology projects in the classroom (cites Dr. Pearce)
- Overview of building their Mendel and the problems they encountered - holes to small, firmware issues, hot end failure
- Printed ABS400 at 260C.
- Hot end problems- had multiple failures of PTFE thermal barrier. Switched to a PEEK barrier.
- Switched from ABS to PLA - had problems with sticking in the nozzle, fixed with oil
- Used Gen 3 electronics
- Described many deficiencies in RepRap documentation
3-D Printing of Open Source Appropriate Technologies for Self-Directed Sustainable Development
J. M. Pearce, C.M. Blair, K.J. Laciak, R. Andrews, A. Nosrat, and I. Zelenika-Zovko, “3-D Printing of Open Source Appropriate Technologies for Self-Directed Sustainable Development,” Journal of Sustainable Development', 3(4), 17-29, 2010.
Abstract:
The technological evolution of the 3-D printer, widespread internet access and inexpensive computing has made a new means of open design capable of accelerating self-directed sustainable development. This study critically examines how open source 3-D printers, such as the RepRap and Fab@home, enable the use of designs in the public domain to fabricate open source appropriate technology (OSAT), which are easily and economically made from readily available resources by local communities to meet their needs. The current capabilities of open source 3-D printers is reviewed and a new classification scheme is proposed for OSATs that are technically feasible and economically viable for production. Then, a methodology for quantifying the properties of printed parts and a research trajectory is outlined to extend the existing technology to provide complete village-level fabrication of OSATs. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the potential for open source 3-D printers to assist in driving sustainable development.
Notes:
- Defines appropriate technology
- Appropriate technology is not well documented and shared. Need for better dissemination.
- Commercial printers have high tolerances but expensive ($5000-$200,000) compared to ~$1000 open source printers
- RepRap and Fab@Home started at colleges and have open source communities
- Self-replication 6.83% with fasteners, 48% excluding fasteners
- RepRap can print ABS, PLA, HDPE, and polycarprolactone
- "Sequential layer deposition"
- Open source CAD software and model sharing on Thingiverse
- No machining skills necessary to operate 3-D printers
- Open source printing would encourage training in CAD and design
- Printed parts could be used in energy, farming, water, food, medical, transportation, handicrafts, housing, and industrial applications
- Possible directly made parts include: prosthesis, tools, gears, clamps, etc.
- Using printed part for making a casting mold
- Post-processing is acceptable for OSAT applications
- Most development in open source 3-D printing is from the hacking community, not currently influenced by the full potential of materials science and engineering
- 3-D printing does not have the reliability or testing for deployment in developing countries.
- More testing of printed parts is need along with development of testing methods to find the properties of printed materials
- Need theoretical analysis and testing of parts to determine suitability of printing objects.
RepRap: The Replicating Rapid Prototyper Maximizing Customizability by Breeding the Means of Production
Z. Smith, “RepRap: The Replicating Rapid Prototyper Maximizing Customizability by Breeding the Means of Production.”
PV Junction Box
Waterproofing 3D Prints (and also making them look super-cool) with Epoxy Clay
Neil's Log Book
Abstract:
It’s pretty hard to get a watertight object out of our Makerbot Thing-O-Matic. The walls of printed objects are pretty solid, but unexpectedly porous; even a thick block printed with 100% infill will allow water to penetrate it due to errors around the edges and imperfectly fused strands of plastic. If you want to make a hollow object waterproof you’re going to have to do some post-processing.
Inverter and PV System Technology
AN3432 Application Note, How to choose a bypass diode for a silicon panel junction box
PV Laminates and Installation
Application Guidelines for Photovoltaic Laminates
Affordable Solar, "Building a Syste
UV Protection / Lifetime Assessment
The Outdoor Performance of Plastic Materials Used as Cable Accessories
[1] R. J. T. Clabbum, R. J. Penneck, and C. J. Swinmurn, “The Outdoor Performance of Plastic Materials Used as Cable Accessories,” IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, vol. PAS-92, no. 6, pp. 1833 –1842, Nov. 1973. [5]
The effect of photo-oxidative degradation on fracture in ABS pipe resins
[2] P. Davis, B. E. Tiganis, and L. S. Burn, “The effect of photo-oxidative degradation on fracture in ABS pipe resins,” Polymer Degradation and Stability, vol. 84, no. 2, pp. 233–242, May 2004.