RepRap Version II "Mendel"
The machine on the right is the RepRap printer, which we call "Mendel" after the father of genetics. It's the second, new-improved version: small enough to fit on your desk, but with a print volume large enough for you to make big things (see specifications below). The machine is made up of bits bought in from local suppliers or online, and parts which it can make for itself - all the translucent structural components you can see.
In the picture, behind the machine, you can see the RepRap software which you can use to print your thing. We give this, and the designs for the machine away, free - it's all open source. Though you do have to buy in some standard components from... well, whoever you want... which can cost up to £395. The idea of getting all the materials and building a machine yourself may seem daunting, but this area of the wiki is dedicated to making the whole process as easy as possible.
Instructions
Mendel Specifications
The table below outlines the specifications of the machine.
' | UK metric | US imperial |
Manufacturer | RepRap | |
Model | Mendel | |
Technology | FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)/Thermoplastic extrusion | |
Price | £395.00 | $630 |
Annual Service Cost | Occasional oiling = £5. Can replace all its own printed parts if needed (see below for total volume). | Occasional oiling = $10. Can replace all its own printed parts if needed (see below for total volume). |
Size | 500 mm (W) x 400 mm (D) x 360 mm (H) | 20” (W) x 16” (D) x 14” (H) |
Wieght | 7.0 kg | 1.1 stone |
Build Envelope | 200 mm (W) x 200 mm (D) x 140 mm (H) | 8” (W) x 8” (D) x 5.5” (H) |
Materials | PLA, HDPE, ABS & more. Uses ø 3 mm filament. | PLA, HDPE, ABS & more. Uses ø 0.118” filament. |
Material Cost | PLA: £20/kg, HDPE: £10/kg, ABS: £15/kg | PLA: $14/lb, HDPE: $7/lb, ABS: $10/lb |
Speed | 19.0 cm^3 per hour (test done for PLA, similar for others) | 1.16 inch^3 per hour (test done for PLA, similar for others) |
Accuracy | Resolution of nozzle 0.5 mm, 2 mm min. feature size, 0.1 mm positioning accuracy, layer thk 0.5 mm | Resolution of nozzle 0.0196”, 0.0787” min. feature size, 0.0039 positioning accuracy, layer thk 0.0196” |
Finish | Fair | Fair |
Volume of printed parts to replicate | 1110 cm^3 | 67.7 inches^3 |
Mendel vs. Darwin
Mendel is the latest generation RepRap machine. Mendel supersedes the first version, which we call Darwin. For RepRap Version I "Darwin" instructions follow this link.
Mendel has the following key improvements over Darwin:
- Bigger print area, smaller machine footprint
- Improved constraint on the z-axis to eliminate jamming
- Better axis efficiency
- Simpler assembly
- Capacity of tool changing (to follow very shortly)
- Lighter and more portable
This video illustrates these improvements:
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For a numerical comparison see this blog post.