Abstract
This paper describes progress on RepRap, the replicating rapid prototyper. RepRap is a
filament-deposition rapid prototyping machine that has been designed to manufacture the
majority of its own parts. All other parts of the machine are standard materials and
components available everywhere in the world. RepRap is intended to maximize the
customizability of both the products that it makes and also itself. It achieves this by
several complementary mechanisms: it is intended for individual (as well as industrial)
use, so its users may employ it to manufacture whatever they want; it can make copies of
itself, and those copies can be customized; it is extremely low cost, and so ownership can
be widespread; and finally it is open-source, so all its designs and software are available
for modification. Prototype RepRap machines have been built and are described. These
have made parts for themselves and each other, and this is depicted. The design principles
and specifications of the machine are given. The paper concludes with a discussion of the
possible impacts that the machine may have on personal manufacturing and product
customization.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook of Research in Mass Customization and Personalization |
| Editors | F T Piller, M M Tseng |
| Publisher | World Scientific |
| Pages | 568-580 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| Volume | 1 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-981-4280-25-9 |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |