User:Rmwebs/Build A RepRap

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Under Construction

This is a proposed replacement for the Build A RepRap page, and is currently under construction.

Once you've decided that you want to build a RepRap, there are some choices you'll need to make. A number of contributors have created their own RepRap models. Generally these are split into two categories. Cartesian and Delta printers.

Cartesian Printers

The cartesian printers follow the much established design pattern that was established by early RepRap models. They generally have three axis that allow the 'hotend' to move up, down, left and right. Some also have a forward and backwards motion, however a lot of cartesian's instead move the print bed.

A good example of one of the more recent, and widely supported cartesian printers is the Prusa i3. The i3, created by Joseff Prusa is the third iteration in the Prusa Mendel line, and is based on the original Mendel cartesian printer.

Delta Printers

Delta printers are a fairly new design trend in the RepRap community. Instead of using the traditional three-axis system, the hot end is suspended between three vertical structures, allowing for a corcular print area. There are several delta printer variants with the Kossel Mini being one of the most popular designs.

Generally the benefit of delta printers comes from their low-maintenance and low-part approach. Unlike cartesians, they dont rely on large numbers of bolts, and can usually be built much cheaper. Perhaps the biggest benefit, is that they can be scaled in size by increasing the height of the vertical structures, and the bed area can be increased in size by lengthening the horizontal structures. This has allowed for very tall print areas, something that has been fairly hard to do on many of the current cartesian designs.