The Replicating Rapid-Prototyper (RepRap) Project’s goal is to create a 3D prototyping machine, costing no more than $500 to build, that is capable of replicating 80-90% of its own parts. It leverages the open source concept in a loose development framework to leverage the power of natural selection and speciation to continually improve the technology much as Linux has done in the past.

The project, which makes heavy use of other open source technology and software, such as the Art of Illusion 3D modeling program, is currently on-track to meet that goal. The first operational RepRap machine was made at the Paraflows 2006 digital arts conference in Vienna in September 2006.

Dr. Forrest Higgs, presenter and RepRap team member, has a more ambitious goal. He aims to create a RepRap that draws no more than 50 watts of power and is capable of processing 12lbs of polymer into finished artifacts per month. His RepRap is on track to cost no more than $150 to build, and make polymer prototypes and artifacts at a cost of no more than $0.15/cubic inch. RepRap’s current commercial rivals are priced-to-own at a minimum of $30k and produce product at a cost of $3/cubic inch.

RepRaps are a very disruptive new technology. A designer working alone can design and build a working product using his RepRap system. Once having done so he can then use his RepRap system to build a production line in small, self-financing increments to produce it commercially.