RepLab
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Release status: unknown
| Description | building a self-replicating Fab Lab.
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Contents
Introduction
The RepLab Project will make and document all of the fabrication machines in a Fab Lab. This will be similar be similar to and extend RepRap. Like RepRap, the machines will be mostly self-replicating.
Equipment and Projects
- Laser Cutter
- SplineScan Cabinet
- CNC Mill
- CNC Router
- CNC Lathe
- Vinyl Cutter
- 3D Printer -> RepRap
- Plasma Cutter
- Furnace
- Waterjet Cutter - very expensive, very complicated. Unlikely.
People
Forum/Mailing List
http://dev.forums.reprap.org/list.php?128
Please note: The forum will have mailing list functionality by the end of the week.
There is a functional Google Group with some traffic:
http://groups.google.com/group/replab?hl=en
Primary Considerations
Economic Model (Quick, to the Spreadsheet!)
- How much does the machine cost to make?
- What is the existing market for these machines? What machines are selling, and are they any good?
- How much does this machine cost in the marketplace to buy? (Including a service contract).
- How much does the machine cost to run? (Including 'machine operator' time).
- What's the 'mental overhead' that the user/builder encounters by building your machine, rather than buying a machine with a known trackrecord from a salesperson and getting a service contract?
- What's the worth of the parts the machine is making?
- What are the opportunity costs you and the machine encounter by "making fasteners" rather than more specialized, higher worth components or objects? Like the spindle for a CNC mill, toys for your children, or a prosthetic leg.
- Is it fun?
- Visit a production workshop using one of these machines. What is their economic model?
- Visit/websurf a hobby/cottage industry/academic technical workshop that uses one of these machines? What is their economic model?
- If you build or buy a huge machine, does it take over your workshop and lifestyle?
Examples: 10'x18' CNC router, Bronze Foundry (for art bronze), Aluminum Foundry.
Dependencies
What is feasible to build? When do you want to buy rather than make?
- Fasteners
- Threaded rod.
- Stepper Motor Controllers
- Aluminum Billet
- 3D printer
- plasma cutter.
- Small CNC router
- Huge CNC router
- Wooden hand plane
