Photo credit: Raymond Wong/DVICE
The time has come. 3D printers can now be used to print 3D printers. At least, that’s the case with RepRap, which is short for “replicating rapid prototype.” The project was started by engineer Adrian Bowyer in 2005, and he was quickly joined by others who wanted to take the 3D printing movement to the next level.
One member of the RepRap team, Nicholas Seward, recently created a couple of 3D printers that are almost vitamin-free.
Now in 3D printer speak, “vitamin” has a different meaning. It actually stands for parts that cannot be 3D printed, such as bolts and wiring. Both of Seward’s printers, called the Morgan, Simpson, and Wally, were displayed at the Maker Faire this year. Each of these machines are capable of printing an entire 3D printer in 60 hours, requiring about $20 worth of plastic and $150 worth of electronics in addition to the cost for vitamins.
Seward plans to launch a campaign on Kickstarter, where he will offer a do-it-yourself kit of Wally and Simpson for $450 and a fully-operational printer product for $600.
VIA [ Dvice ]
Hmm, looks like it’s time for me to replace my old printer eh..