This summer I was lucky to see some real examples of the rapid prototyping at work in the Italian design and architecture industries. Based in Milan, ONEOFF positions themselves as “the prototype of a new generation of modelling labs and expresses [sic] the potential of digital technology applied to rapid manufacturing”. They’ve spent a lot of time becoming experts in creating prototypes – and most interestingly for myself, in rapid prototyping.
(Image borrowed from ONEOFF's Flickr stream)
Rapid prototyping is an automated process which allows for complex objects to be produced before the manufacturing stage. Layers of a material (often plastic but also ceramic) are “printed” on top of each other until the final form is finished. No tools or moulds are required – just a 3D model of the prototype. The value here is in the ability to quickly create something for discussion and analysis. Complex objects can be created in mere hours. Artists also often use rapid prototyping technology to create “sculpted” work.
(Image borrowed from ONEOFF's Flickr stream)
The technology for high quality rapid prototyping isn’t cheap – $10,000 will get you something in the entry level. There are however, a couple of alternatives that come from the open source crowd ( for whom I have much love ). I was recently turned onto the RepRap, an open source project that comes in the form of a wiki that documents the parts and instructions to build your own 3D printer – for less than $1000. You can even buy a kit for $750 that gets shipped to your house for you to assemble in a day or so. MakerBot is another open source solution, with plans for parts so you can build your own. The MakerBot kit sells for the same price.
RepRap from Adrian Bowyer on Vimeo.
According to Google’s Open Source Programs Manager, Chris DiBona, the Rep Rap you can ”think of RepRap as a China on your desktop”. Hah.
If I didn’t have to pay for tuition… I’d have one keeping myself and my room mate up at night.
this is awesome.