The RepRap Snappy is an

open-source Open source is source code that is made freely available for possible modification and redistribution. Products include permission to use the source code, design documents, or content of the product. The open-source model is a decentralized so ...

fused deposition modeling Fused filament fabrication (FFF), also known as fused deposition modeling (with the trademarked acronym FDM), or called ''filament freeform fabrication'', is a 3D printing process that uses a continuous filament of a thermoplastic material. Filam ...

3D printer, part of the

RepRap project The RepRap project started in England in 2005 as a University of Bath initiative to develop a low-cost 3D printer that can print most of its own components, but it is now made up of hundreds of collaborators worldwide. RepRap is short for rep''li ...

, it is the most self replicating 3D printer in the world. The RepRap Snappy is designed to address the core goal of the RepRap project of creating a general-purpose self-replicating manufacturing machine'''. The RepRap Snappy is able to create 73% of its own parts by volume with a design that eliminates as many of the non 3D printed parts as possible including belts and bearings which are replaced with a rack and pinion system. The name Snappy comes from the use of snap fit connectors used on the small printed parts to construct larger pieces, this both cuts down on the use of non 3D printed parts and means a smaller build volume is needed on the machine producing the parts. The only non self replicating parts on the printer are the motors, electronics, a glass build plate and one 686 bearing, the 3D printed parts take around 150 hours to create. The RepRap Snappy received an honourable mention in the Uplift Prize Grand Personal Manufacturing Prize.

External links

RepRap Snappy page on RepRap.orgRepRap Snappy repository on Github

References

{{reflist Open hardware electronic devices 3D printers RepRap project Self-replicating machines