User:Bac5244
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== Entry 1 ==
For my first blog, I will report on my first experience with thingiverse.com
Here is a list of a few models I found interesting:
Artistic: 8 Torus
These types of models, that usually involve math to create, are very intricate and beautiful. These shapes are incredibly hard to make with traditional manufacturing techniques but are relatively easy for 3D printers.
Useful: Bag holder
I don't really have a problem carrying lots of bags, but many people do. This model allows people to carry many more bags than they normally could, as long as they can actually carry the weight.
Useless: creeper??
Maybe it's because it's in 8-bit format or maybe because I don't play Minecraft. Either way, this model seems completely useless....except as a paper weight.
Funny: Action chess
It amazes me that someone would model up something like this. This was a contender for the useless category as well but I thought a robot made out of chess pieces was much more funny than an 8-Bit figurine.
Weird: iArmchair
An armchair for your iPod. Cool, except its a waist of material. Its not going to be soft, so why bother making one? There are plenty of other iPod holders out there so why model an armchair? Its just so.....weird.
== Entry 2 == 9/10/12
For this post I will be responding to three topics:
1. Do you think his goal of a ‘self-replicating universal constructor’ is feasible? What remains to be done to achieve this, or alternatively what would prevent such a goal?
2. The phrase “wealth without money” is both the title of his article and the motto of the reprap project itself. What does this phrase mean? (To him and to you if they differ). Discuss implications, problems, and possibilities associated with this idea.
3. The Darwin design was released in 2007. It is 2012 now. Imagine future scenarios for RepRaps and their ‘cousin’ 3D printing designs (Makerbots, Ultimachine, Makergear, etc.) how do you think the RepRap project (community, designs, website, anything and everything) might evolve in the future?
1. I do think it is possible for a machine to become a self-replicating universal constructor. However, this machine will be drastically different than the current RepRap models. Here is a list of some things that need to be accomplished in order for this dream to be realized.
a. The machine will need to be able to print with multiple materials. This is already realized to a point. There are 3D printers that can print in two different plastics. One as the structural material and the second as a support material. This capability has to go a step further. A self-replicating machine will need to be able to print with metal(or at least conducting material) and plastics. The list of parts that could be purchased that is defined in the reading does not include circuit boards and wires. This means the machine will need the capability to print parts that can conduct electricity well.
NOTE: I think that wire should be added to the list seeing that it is a very standard part.
b. The machine will need to be more complex than current models. In order to tackle the task of printing multiple materials, the structure and mechanisms will have to accommodate for this.
c. The machine will have to increase its print resolution. In order for the machine to be able to print circuit boards and other intricate parts successfully, the resolution will need to increase to make accommodate for the tight corners and small detail. This will also increase part accuracy and quality.
2. I think the phrase "wealth without money" means being able to obtain more possessions without paying for them. This is obviously focusing my on the idea that possessions are wealth, not necessarily money. One could acquire wealth just by printing things they need instead of purchasing things with money. I think that this phrase is an over-generalization. Even in his description of the project Adrian mentions people will have to pay for the raw materials to build a printer and pay for the print material. If this project takes off similar to the printing press revolution, there will be substantial implications. This phrase, 'wealth without money' will actually start to be realized. A situation may arise where certain industries will fail due to the popularity and capabilities of self-replication 3D printers.
3. The RepRap project has a very good member base and with programs like this class, more people with good ideas and experience will help evolve and develop the technology. Looking into the future of this project I can see a few things.
a. There will be substantial advancement in the range of things the RepRap can print. With the addition of the capability to print multiple materials (which is not that far off) many different designs and parts can be printed.
b. The project will continue to receive media coverage in magazines, occasionally the news and on the internet. Fan and member base will grow to the point where the project will not fizzle out.
c. RepRap will be introduced into high school and tech schools so supplement learning.
d. More of the machine will be printable. New designs will focus on maximizing this fact and accommodating the use of less advanced technology that is printable. For example, circuit boards that are large to match the print resolution. e. The printers resolution will increase through smaller extruders and increased printer head speed.
f. Online library of free models will grow exponentially. With more users, more models will be submitted.
g. The addition of models that will be available for purchase. Some models that are for advanced functional things, not necessarily for the printer, will be available mainly because of the long development time and greed.
