Open source 3D printer will copy itself

Those clever boffins at the University of Bath, England have managed to develop a machine called RepRap which can, effectively, replicate itself. The boffins themselves describe it as being a 3D printer which can print, or rather produce, real mechanical parts. Perhaps most interesting is the claim that RepRap can actually copy and produce the parts needed to build another RepRap. In other words it is a machine that can replicate itself.

RepRap itself stands for Replicating Rapid-prototyper and works by building up the component in layers of plastic to produce something akin to a Lego brick in terms of robustness. Sure, there are other 3D printers out there but most are hellish expensive. RepRap did not cost tens of thousands of pounds but less than a thousand.

Best of all, it's open source. The developers say that "following the principles of the Free Software Movement we are distributing the RepRap machine at no cost to everyone under the GNU General Public Licence. So, if you have a RepRap machine, you can make another and give it to a friend..."

[3dprinting]

The RepRap project is a fascinating example of how 3D printing is evolving, especially with its ability to self-replicate and remain open-source. It represents a big step toward decentralised, low-cost manufacturing. With technologies like this and access to online 3D printing platforms, individuals and small businesses now have powerful tools to innovate, prototype, and create without huge investments.

[Dani]

This news story was published over 17 years ago, so I decided to ask ChatGPT whatever became of RepRap. Apparently, and quite surprisingly (to me, at least), it kickstarted the desktop 3D printing revolution and gave rise to companies like MakerBot and others, which began by forking RepRap designs. However, by making 3D printing affordable and community-driven, RepRap mostly disappeared because everyone was now able to buy a cheap printer and no longer had a need to build their own, ultimately becoming a victim of their own success.