OT - You like open source software, how about open source manufacturing

BryanG

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Feb 2005
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Manchester
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If you like the idea of open source software, have a look at this for open source:
http://reprap.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap_Project

If you need to make a plastic component you don't Order it from a supplier, you design it in CAD and then 3D print the item yourself. And the bit that makes my chest swell with English pride is that it was started by a slightly dotty university professor here in the UK.
 
That is pretty sweet. I always thought the "makerbot" was cool, but now there is this open source version. It would be awsome to get my hands on 1 to play around with!
 
MI is Michigan isn't it, if so there is a RepRep group somewhere near you.
http://forums.reprap.org/list.php?116
One of them would print all the plastic parts for you, most of the frame is standard parts, you would just need to hunt down the electronics. They reckon that you can build a machine for £200-£300, $350-$450. Guess what I want for Christmas.

The bit that gets me is that even if you first machine isn't perfect you use it to print the parts for a newer better version. If someone develops a neat update, you download the file and print the parts you need.
 
Last edited:
Yes sir MI is Michigan.
Checked out that forum, it doesn't seem very active, I guess I'm just used to this forum that is highly active.

I would have to finish my MAME machine before I got one of these and I haven't had any time to ever work on that.

Maybe someday!
 
There are several commercial companies making and selling "3-D Printers", even one or two that can "print" metal parts. Stratasys Incorporated is one that you can invest in, if you are interested in the technology and want to own some of it.

http://www.stratasys.com/
 
as sold by HP, but none of them anywhere near a sensible price. The ones that lay a thin layer of base material and then 'print' a coloured glue on to that layer seem to give an excellent result. But I don't have £15000 ($22000) to spare.
 
I did some more research over the weekend and am wondering if it would be better value for me as a business to go for a sturdier X Y Z base. Then by swapping machine heads I could use it for CNC Milling / Engraving / Cutting / Laser, and using their extruder, plastic parts prototyping. It bumps the cost up but opens up a lot of possibilities. I know that they have modded the system to use a Dremel type tool but that seems a bit underpowered for what I want.
 
BryanG said:
I did some more research over the weekend and am wondering if it would be better value for me as a business to go for a sturdier X Y Z base. Then by swapping machine heads I could use it for CNC Milling / Engraving / Cutting / Laser, and using their extruder, plastic parts prototyping. It bumps the cost up but opens up a lot of possibilities. I know that they have modded the system to use a Dremel type tool but that seems a bit underpowered for what I want.
Click to expand...

If you end up doing that keep us updated. That sounds like a fun little project.
 
I'm in love. I'm going to try to convince my school's engineering club to obtain and build one. I'm thinking we could use, say, the Prusa Mendel to help build a Prusa Mendel for the High School we worked with last year, they could use theirs to build parts for their FIRST robotics entry, and maybe help build a printer for yet another organization that could benefit from owning a 3D printer.
 
Robpaige - You have stated the aims of the RepRap project perfectly.

JOLTRON - I will be pleased to update things as the project progresses, only problem is that first I have to finish the Siemens Drivers for the AdvancedHMI. I know which I would prefer to do but having rock solid Siemens drivers for AdvancedHMI is important for my business. I find working with .Net a bit like having teeth pulled, I will be glad when it is done.
 
Bryan, I'm also thinking we could maybe use one at my work to prototype and fabricate parts for our equipment at work. I've seen stuff like this talked about, but it now seems like it's come along enough to be viable.
 
Hi Rob

If it is for work it may be worth thinking bigger. By using a bigger stronger XYZ(A) bed system you will be able to add other functions to the machine. It depends on the facilities you already have at your company and the budget you can afford. The other thing that I found on the web is that building the machine is only half the battle, then you have to learn to design in 3D and how use it.

Some interesting sites if you are thinking bigger:
http://www.cooperman.talktalk.net/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-to-Build-Desk-Top-3-Axis-CNC-Milling-Machine/
http://www.hobbycnc.com/
http://www.cnc-router-routers.com/
http://www.engravingmachine.com/html/links_to_hobby_cnc.php
 

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