What is RepRap? Introductory Lecture - Part 2 of 2

"...the invention that will bring down global capitalism, start a second industrial revolution and save the environment..." - The front page of The Guardian, November 25, 2006.

"Think of RepRap as a China on your desktop." - Chris DiBona, Open Source Programs Manager, Google Inc., 8 April 2008.

"The promise of advanced fabrication technology that can copy itself is a truly remarkable concept with far reaching implications." - Sir James Dyson, 17 April 2007.

RepRap is short for Replicating Rapid-prototyper. It is the practical self-copying 3D printer
See http://www.reprap.org/ for more info on how to make your own.

Pop!Tech is a yearly conference on technical issues of world concern and on the technical innovations that may improve the future. In 2007 Dr. Adrian Bowyer was one of the invited speakers.
From http://www.poptech.org/popcasts/PopCasts.aspx?viewcastid=154

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• reprap
• open-source
• biology
• self-replication
• Rapid-prototyper
• CNC
• 3D printer
• evolution

[Incrue]

where can i download plastic?

[samwab]

@Incrue ebay. you need a really fast connection though.

[matchbox555]

it cant make anything we really need

[samwab]

@matchbox555 it can make a lot of very useful things, with almost unlimited potential. Depends on your definition of need.

[hede88]

This is big! This is exactly what is needed for local communities to become self sufficient.

[jsd23]

polylactic acid is mostly made of carbon atoms...

[111rhall]

@matchbox555 - I disagree. I am new to the idea of 3D printing but in just an afternoon of idle daydreaming, I've thought up two dozen items to make with it. It doesn't take much to think up many many many items that would be convenient and cost effective to make this way. Look around your environment.

[5t34l7h9]

if we tried to print everything we needed then the cost of energy to run the thing would be astronomical. If mankind uses it as a tool that empowers individuals to maximize their creativity by cutting the red tape..why stop at a plastic medium we could print with anything..

[3goldy]

@jsd23 now we need a machine that collects them from the air, & then EVERYTHING will be for free!

[3goldy]

OMG!! this IS the "Replicator" from star trek, that makes the food & service tools out of thin air!!!

[MAACORTES]

this is probably the best invention i have ever heard of

[MAACORTES]

@IOPzK SAME

[Rennonz]

The future is now.

[CosmosPrivateer]

With solar and wind for energy and this to make our products some day we won't need much money.

My children will be able to actually live free of servitude.