RepRap Central Blog

The incredible Antikythera Mechanism

admin — Sun, 12 May 2013 19:33:43 +0000

This is a simple 3D printed representation of the 2000 year old Antikythera machine. It is an ancient analogue computer designed to calculate astronomical positions.

The Antikythera Computing Machine

The original object was recovered from a shipwreck in 1900 and its significance as Mankinds first analogue Computer was left unrecognised for over 100 years. The mechanism contained 30 or more bronze gears and these interlocking gears calculated the position of the Sun, Moon and possibly even the Planets.

It’s not a complex 3D Print but it does allow us to get a feel for the original which is kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. As we move forward, models will become more and more detailed and it won’t be too long before we can replicate the originals in every detail, possibly even in the original material!

Personal 3D Printers can bring these amazing artifacts to you and that’s quite an achievement in its own right.

3D Model Courtesy of Cosmo Wenman and Thingiverse

3D Printing Artifacts

admin — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:05:44 +0000

We’ve just printed something which we’ve never seen up close, never handled before and few people really know about. Watch this space!

Russian World War 2 Tank found buried in PLA!

admin — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:13:22 +0000

This Russian T34 tank looks as if its just been dug up after resting for some considerable time in the Western desert. Printed for a WW2 diorama, it gives an insight into the capabilities of the MakerBot Replicator 2 and the awesome potential for the next generation of Model Engineers.

Now, just need to print the battle scene to go with it!

Missing its tank tracks and covered in years of mud it’s ready for its setting. This tank was revolutionary in its time, now there’s a new revolution, one in which we can all take part.

Join us and take part in the 3D Printing revolution, it’s time!

3D Model Courtesy of Vittweet and Thingiverse

Like your Canon 5D Camera in Red?

admin — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:43:53 +0000

Whether your creating a commercial prototype or just having fun, Colours can make a product really stand out. We’ve printed this in medium resolution on the MakerBot Replicator 2.

Our Canon 5D 3D Print

Not forgetting the back!

Nice detail even in medium resolution

We will be 3D printing the internals, optics and electronics in the not too distant future. Buy your 3D Printer from us and with your help, we’ll get there even sooner!

Lucy in the Sky…

admin — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 15:07:39 +0000

This Angel is known to many as Lucy, we’ve just printed her in medium resolution, a great model with lots of detail. Why not 3d print her yourself!

Lucy, our latest 3D Print

3D Model courtesy of Stanford Computer Graphics Laboratory

MakerBot announces the ‘Digitizer’ scanning solution

admin — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:49:01 +0000

The Digitizer in action

MakerBot has announced the development of a new scanning system called the ‘Digitizer’. This will simplify the scanning process and make this technology available to all. Simply place your object on the turntable, let it rotate for three minutes and it will create a digital model for you, which can then be 3D printed.

The MakerBot Digitizer will be released later this year

Visit our online store for info on the MakerBot range of 3D Printers.

Dual colour printing and the pause button

admin — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:49:24 +0000

The MakerBot Replicator 2 has a useful pause button which allows you to pause the printing midway and change the colour of filament used. You can create models in many colours using this method

A dual colour bracelet printed on the Replicator 2

Pretty in print

admin — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 20:55:45 +0000

Say hello to Laurana. She’s printed in yellow PLA at medium resolution with no support.

Laurana, a 3D Printed work of Art

A Classic 3D Model – The Gothic Cathedral

admin — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 19:13:14 +0000

This stunning print designed by Thingiverse user Skimbal had quite an impact when it first came out and you can see why. We’ve just printed this in medium resolution using the translucent blue PLA found in our webstore.

A classic 3D Model from Skimbal

Order your MakerBot Replicator 2 or 2x 3D Printer from us and design and print your own work of art.

From Coat Hooks to Engine Blocks to …

admin — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 17:44:18 +0000

It wasn’t that long ago that we were pleased to print a useful coat hook, an item found in every household in the land. Things have moved on a little and we are now printing complex prototypes and engine blocks for fun.

Our latest 3D Print – Ford’s Engine Block

What’s next on our list?

Well, keep an eye on this blog and you’ll see. Visit our Online Store for the very latest in 3D Printers, consumables and accessories. Come and join in the fun, ur em, Work that is!