Self-replicating machine will use Arduino for microcontroller

[Feynman]

http://reprap.org/
http://blog.reprap.org/

RepRap stands for Replicating Rapid-prototyper. It is the self-copying 3D printer shown below. This 3D printer builds the component up in layers of plastic. It can print its own set of parts. It is open source and is released under GPL.




The next-generation RepRap machines will use a component near and dear to my heart -- the Arduino microcontroller.



Saturday, March 29, 2008

We have chosen the open-source Arduino microcontroller for the next stage of RepRap development. Zach has been working on this for a while, and it gives a number of advantages:

    * Direct USB connection to the host computer, hence no significant communications delays
    * Easy-to-use platform-independent software development environment
    * Faster
    * More memory

In addition, we have stepper-driver boards for it that allow RepRap to use much less expensive and more easy to obtain stepper motors than the current ones.

We shall do a release of the entire RepRap system (hardware, firmware, and software) shortly that will be a stable platform from which people can take the current PIC microcontrollers forward if they wish.

We will then do a subsequent release with identical host software, but with the Arduino electronics and firmware. This will form the basis of our next set of developments.

-Dr. Adrian Bowyer
http://blog.reprap.org

[TheOne]

Yes this is a nice project, before I start to build my own CNC I was looking at this project but I prefer to mill in material such as MDF to make my stuffs

The advantage of this project is to be able to build 3d object mostly like a 5 axis CNC machine.

Do you know how its cost for the plastic they are using to generate the 3d object?

[Feynman]

I believe they are using ABS plastic at 105 C in the extruder.

I think the materials cost is $2.50/lb ($1.13/kg).