RepRap for Science—How to Use, Design, and Troubleshoot the Self-Replicating 3-D Printer - Open-Source Lab: How to Build Your Own Hardware and Reduce Research Costs - page 89

scientific equipment [ 16 , 26 ] . In the sections that follow, we will discuss how to build a RepRap,
and use it to make open-source scientific hardware.
5.2 Building a REPRAP
The version of the RepRap detailed in this chapter is a variant of the Prusa Mendel reengin-
eered primarily by Jerry Anzalone at Michigan Tech. We have built several of them at Tech,
including several pilot workshops where dozens of teachers (college and high school) were
trained in how to build and debug them. The goal of this particular version is a low-cost
RepRap with high print speeds, good quality and that it is extremely easy to build and de-
bug. For this purpose, the MOST RepRap has a new y -axis stage that gives you both a larger
efective print envelope and the ability to increase print speed. If you follow the instructions
below, your RepRap will be ready in <24 h of work (two people can build it comfortably in a
working 8 h day, particularly if they are experienced). That said, just like all RepRaps, these
designs are constantly evolving and the most up-to-date build instructions can be found in the
Appropedia wiki. 2 My research group maintains a small community centered on an Apprope-
dia page to assist in troubleshooting and share user experiences. 3 In addition, there is a much
larger RepRap Forum 4 and community at the main RepRap wiki. 5
Before assembling, first ensure you have all the parts necessary in the bill of materials
(BOM) as shown in Table 5.1 , the printed parts in Table 5.2 , and the necessary tools are listed
below. First download the zip file of the MOST STereoLithography (STLs). 6 Convince someone
you know 7 with a 3-D printer to print all of the STLs shown in Table 5.2 with PLA unless
otherwise indicated by ABS following the file name (you can print them all in ABS, but it is
unnecessary and in general, PLA is beter to work with because of substantially less fumes).
Printing all the parts on a standard RepRap printer with normal setings should take <24 h of
print time. The printed parts for the MOST RepRap in the link provided are plated and color
coded for easy identification and assembly. In addition, if you simply print all the plates you
can be sure your part count is right in place of Table 5.2 .