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3D for the masses?
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If you would like to contribute to any discussions write to Tony Keegan, Chairman, at The Institution of Engineering Designers, Courtleigh, Westbury Leigh, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3TA or email:
tony@ied.org.uk.
A chance meeting recently introduced me to a local boatman. He was not an engineer or designer, but had decided to design and make a variable load propeller for narrow boats. He was going to use a system called ‘RepRap’ at nearby Bath University. Rapid prototyping for the masses I thought – this must be investigated.
RepRap is a ‘system’ that produces plastic parts by building up layers of thermoplastic that are fused together (sometimes known as 3D print- ing). The technology is somewhat crude and for professional use higher quality processes do exist, however the philosophy behind the system is ground breaking.
Founded by Dr Adrian Bowyer at Bath University, all the information re- quired to build one is freely available. Software to control the machine is open source meaning that it can be modified by users to improve it. A RepRap machine can make a high proportion of parts for a second machine (RepRap = ‘Replicating Rapid Prototyper’). Some parts – mo- tors and sensors are readily available to buy online. A kit of parts can be bought for less than £400. Some buy a kit and then sell parts for more machines. Thus with the help of humans, RepRap machines can replicate themselves. Not only will the machines be replicated, but due to the ‘open source’ nature of the machine, improvements will occur at each generation. Scores of machine builders share information online for future builders to use. Over time the machine will ‘evolve’ to take advantage of favourable materials and processes.
Interestingly, at least one other competing system has also been developed – also open source – so already there is competition between systems for human input and improvements. Would the production of a hybrid be a demonstration of sexual reproduction of machines?
This notion of evolution of a design is what I find fascinating – the ap- plication of a biological theory and human behaviour to product develop- ment – the antithesis of design protection. With worldwide RepRap evolu- tion, the system could rapidly develop into a sophisticated machine that will bring 3D printing or ‘rapid manufacture’ to thousands or millions.... And the local boatman might succeed with his improved propeller.
T.Keegan
Tony Keegan IEng FIED Chairman
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