The MakerBot is the most visible extension of the RepRap project, but there is still a tremendous amount of energy around the original design. The blog by the creator of the “HydraRaptor” RepRap is an interesting one to follow because he actually seems to use it to solve his everyday problems.
For instance, the author has a small orchard and had difficulty reaching the fruits at the top of the tree. Enter the 3D printer. He devised an add on to his clippers that would help extend his reach:
and voila, no more fruit went to waste:
In the RepRap community there is a strong philosophical desire to make the machine capable of reproducing itself. I think this is a bit misguided, at least relative to making the device easier, more reliable, and friendly for early users, especially schools.
This photograph illustrates all the plastic components used in creating a RepRap. I don’t buy into their notion that 3D printers will destroy Walmart anytime soon, but this is an impressive image. The creator shared the BOM for the HydraRaptor on the eponymous website, but the key stats are:
- Parts: 109
- Machine hours: 74:28:04
- Plastic used: 973 g
- Cost: $19.47
The rest of the materials cost ~$400 so for about the same price as a decent color laser printer you can be creating physical objects. While the quest to have the machine print more and more parts for itself seems a bit odd on a pure geek level it is cool to see all laid out in one shot.
