Hello Reprap, goodbye Capitalism

http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/WebHome
from Demigod Forums

3D Printers aren't new technology, however one that can print itself and one that is being developed so that anyone can make and use them for free are.

"RepRap is short for Replicating Rapid-prototyper. It is the practical self-copying 3D printer shown on the right - a self-replicating machine. This 3D printer builds the parts up in layers of plastic. This technology already exists, but the cheapest commercial machine would cost you about €30,000. And it isn't even designed so that it can make itself. So what the RepRap team are doing is to develop and to give away the designs for a much cheaper machine with the novel capability of being able to self-copy (material costs are about €500). That way it's accessible to small communities in the developing world as well as individuals in the developed world. 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 use it to make another and give that one to a friend... "

Any 3D object made of plastic can be printed by the machine, and the next version will be able to print conductive material, meaning it can make working circuitry. Imagine being able to download and print a replacement circuit board for a broken electrical appliance, CPU upgrade or even design and create an entirely new machine in 3D and then print out the components for it. As the complexity of the machine and what it's capable of increase, I think it has potentional to revolutionise the home environment and break the dependence on mass produced goods.

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25,521 views 11 replies
Reply #1 from Sins Forums Top

would also give higher precedents on patent control

Reply #2 from Demigod Forums Top

Indeed, the ability to copy patented components and create patented machines means we're going to have to re-define what 'piracy' is, again.

Imagine the warez scene with this fellow in every home:
"Download new AMD_6GHZ_RIP_100%WORKING"

I think the lack of complexity currently available limits how much rampent patent infringement can be commited, however it will change as the complexity of the machine increases. As the machine is self-replicating, and the software for it is being developed and distributed for free, the mind-set of the people behind it is obvious. As my title made mention, perhaps the days of Capitalism are numbered?

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Reply #3 from Sins Forums Top

I have enormous doubts that this could actually bring down capitalism. As long as there is a demand for something, people will find a way to produce and sell it competatively. Actually, I'd think it'd only change the market- from demand for small manufactured goods to more raw materials, for example.

Reply #4 from Sins Forums Top

I have a question, is it intirely made of plastic?

Think about it, how can it be self-replicating if it can only  print in plastic?

 

Just wondering, how many things do you have that are only plastic?

Reply #5 from Sins Forums Top

It can produce 60% of it's parts. It says in the link.  They are working to increase that with the ability to build circuitry. 

 

Plenty of things can and are built entirely out of plastic. This is also the very initial stage of an idea's development cycle. It holds massive potential.

Reply #6 from Sins Forums Top

Plastic is going to get exceedingly expensive when oil starts winding down.

Reply #7 from Sins Forums Top

You can make bio plastics now adays. So future plastics will be made without oil as we know it.

Reply #8 from Sins Forums Top

Hence the expensive part.

Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top

Depends on how far recycling technology progresses. In theory you could take the bits of a broken part, drop it into the intake hopper and have a reassembled part come out the other end. Second best would be returning parts to a recycler so they can do it on a larger scale.

Reply #10 from Elemental Forums Top

Somehow I'm not panicing...also I believe one that could replicate itself has been around, not sure about electric though.

Reply #11 from Stardock Forums Top

wow. another concept of piracy could just come about.. but this is really a good idea nevertheless.