Line 52: Line 52:
* [http://www.founditgood.com/solar-3d-printers-take-manufacturing-off-the-grid Solar 3D printers take manufacturing off the grid] - Found it Good
* [http://www.founditgood.com/solar-3d-printers-take-manufacturing-off-the-grid Solar 3D printers take manufacturing off the grid] - Found it Good
* [http://3dprintingfromscratch.com/2014/10/portable-solar-powered-3d-printers-can-make-the-printing-possible-in-off-grid-communities/ Portable solar-powered 3D printers can make the printing possible in off-grid communities] - 3D Printing From Scratch
* [http://3dprintingfromscratch.com/2014/10/portable-solar-powered-3d-printers-can-make-the-printing-possible-in-off-grid-communities/ Portable solar-powered 3D printers can make the printing possible in off-grid communities] - 3D Printing From Scratch
 
* [http://www.greenhero.com/index.php?route=extras/blog/getblog&blog_id=293 Open-source solar-powered 3D printers developed by Joshua Pearce!] - Green Hero
===International===
===International===
* [http://www.bbc.com/capital/specials/protection-now/research-technology/solar-3d-printer-technology-to-revolutionise-developing-countries_a-36-310.html Solar 3d printer technology to revolutionise developing countries] - BBC
* [http://www.bbc.com/capital/specials/protection-now/research-technology/solar-3d-printer-technology-to-revolutionise-developing-countries_a-36-310.html Solar 3d printer technology to revolutionise developing countries] - BBC

Revision as of 03:08, 6 November 2014

Template:Statusboxtop Template:Status-design Template:Status-prototype Template:Boxbottom

Source

Abstract

Pvreprap.png

Manufacturing in areas of the developing world that lack electricity severely restricts the technical sophistication of what is produced. More than a billion people with no access to electricity still have access to some imported higher-technologies; however, these often lack customization and often appropriateness for their community. Open source appropriate technology (OSAT) can over­come this challenge, but one of the key impediments to the more rapid development and distri­bution of OSAT is the lack of means of production beyond a specific technical complexity. This study designs and demonstrates the technical viability of two open-source mobile digital manufacturing facilities powered with solar photovoltaics, and capable of printing customizable OSAT in any com­munity with access to sunlight. The first, designed for com­munity use, such as in schools or maker­spaces, is semi-mobile and capable of nearly continuous 3-D printing using RepRap technology, while also powering multiple computers. The second design, which can be completely packed into a standard suitcase, allows for specialist travel from community to community to provide the ability to custom manufacture OSAT as needed, anywhere. These designs not only bring the possibility of complex manufacturing and replacement part fabrication to isolated rural communities lacking access to the electric grid, but they also offer the opportunity to leap-frog the entire conventional manufacturing supply chain, while radically reducing both the cost and the environmental impact of products for developing communities.

Keywords

Appropriate Technology; Distributed Manufacturing; Open Source Hardware; Photovoltaic; Solar Energy; 3D Printing

Build pages

Presentation

Other Versions of Solar Powered 3-D Printers

In the News

International

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.