Affordable 3D Metal Printer Developed Based on RepRap

hypnosec writes "Researchers have developed and open-sourced a low-cost 3D metal printer capable of printing metal tools and objects that can be build for under £1,000. A team of researchers led by Associate Professor Joshua Pearce at the Michigan Technological University developed the firmware and the plans for the printer and have made it available freely. The open source 3D printer is definitely a huge leap forward as the starting price of commercial counterparts is around £300,000. Pearce claimed that their technology will not only allow smaller companies and start-ups to build inexpensive prototypes, but it will allow other scientists and researchers to build tools and objects required for their research without having to shell out thousands, and could be used to print parts for machines such as windmills." It's a modified RepRap; looks like we're getting closer to the RepRap being able to print all of its parts.

Piracy

[Anonymous Coward]

You wouldn't download a car........?

Re:Maki box @ US$300

[Rosco P. Coltrane]

http://makibox.com/
I've yet not tried it but not heard any major disasters.

Based on your very thorough review of this product, I'm seriously considering ordering one.

Re:Sigh.

[Rosco P. Coltrane]

I'll be more impressed when it's capable of printing a vaccuum tube...

Re:Sigh.

[JanneM]

I'll be more impressed when it's capable of printing a vaccuum tube...

Printing a metal-shelled tube shouldn't be that hard.

Printing the vacuum, on the other hand.

Attach a small fan to it as an air-printing attachment, then turn the power plug 180 degrees so it runs backwards. Do I really have to think of everything around here?

Re:Guns...Lots Of Guns

[BlueStrat]

I can't remember one event in the history of the U.S. where guns in the hand of little people made the U.S. government rethink their policies and withdraw some legislation, measures or orders. Care to elaborate?

Here you go.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Athens_(1946) [wikipedia.org]

"The Battle of Athens (sometimes called the McMinn County War) was a rebellion led by citizens in Athens and Etowah, Tennessee, United States, against the local government in August 1946. The citizens, including some World War II veterans, accused the local officials of political corruption and voter intimidation."

You're welcome.

Strat