It looks like the latest version of the RepRap is a success! I am so close to starting a RepRap build. Anyone else thinking about making a RepRap, or RepStrap machine? Which version?
The newest RepRap, RepRap Version II “Mendel”, will be released very shortly. Here is a video of it working. It is both bigger and smaller than RepRap Version I “Darwin”: it can make bigger things, but the machine itself is physically much smaller. It is genuinely a desktop portable 3D printer – you can carry it in one hand. It’s also a lot easier to put together than RepRap Version I “Darwin”. All of Mendel’s printed parts can be printed in Darwin, and, of course, in itself.
24 thoughts on “RepRap Version II “Mendel” prints its first 3D parts”
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—————– ;-) Cool stuff!
liebesiech –
I edited your comment, lets not be superficial and tease. OK, Thanks!
If you have any questions or comments as to why I did this, please feel free to contact me via email. My address is listed on the right rail.
I’d really like to try something like this. Might have to investigate the trickyness of it all, ready for a new 2010 project :)
I suppose I should wait for the v2 “Mendel” rather than start a v1 “Darwin” – unless they’re significantly trickier…
Yeah, I think I am going to build the “Mendel” version too. There should be full documentation soon. I’ll post it up on MAKE when its available.
Looks like a makerbot in the background!
Yes, that certainly does @ 00:28. Looks like a fun lab to work in.
Hi
That looks fantastic! I have been recently looking into building a Darwin, but now think I may go for a Mendel instead.
Information seems to be appearing on reprap.org as I type, but I’ll ask my question here in case you know the answer.
Can you confirm or deny whether this uses the same electronics as Darwin? If there are differences, what are they?
Cheers
In general I see no real reason it would have to change, except for the extruder and additional controllers. (i.e. rotating table & printable circuits)
My guess is they are the same electronics, but only time will tell.
Here are some specs:
Cartesian robot from RP parts
Print head capable of printing conductive material to create embedded circuits
Possibly a turntable to do circular prints more easily
Expand the online community with a custom website of objects to build
Expand parts kits to encompass the whole project from top to bottom
Reduce number of external parts needed
Hold on 1 second…..maybe I am wrong?
There are some major changes that may require different hardware.
Nothing crazy in these specs: (could be done with separate boards)
Use of PLA as main plastic feedstock
Metal deposition head
Capable of manufacturing own electronics
Automated exchangeable head mechanism
These are significantly different options: (may require new hardware)
USB Interface
DC Servos instead of stepper motors
Hopefully the details are posted soon…….
Fantastic stuff. I’ll definitely build a RepStrap first- I’ll be able to adapt the desktop CNC I’m building and then I’ll use that to make the Mendel parts.
Yes, I plan on a RepStrap too. Easy to machine the parts on my CNC mill.
Go eD!