Open Source 3-D Printers: An Appropriate Technology for Developing Communities

J Gwamuri , J E Poliskey , J M Pearce (1)

1 MTU - Michigan Technological University

The recent introduction of RepRap (Self-Replicating Rapid Prototyper) 3-D printers and the resultant open source technological improvements have resulted in affordable 3-D printing, enabling low-cost distributed manufacturing for individuals. This development and others such as the rise of open source-appropriate technology (OSAT) and solar powered 3-D printing are moving 3-D printing from an industry specific technology to one that could be used in the developing world for sustainable development. In this paper, we explore some specific technological improvements and how distributed manufacturing with open-source 3-D printing can provide sustainable development by creating wealth for developing world communities through the ability to print less expensive and customized products. Conclusions on the technical viability of 3-D printing to assist in development and recommendations on how developing communities can fully exploit this technology have been outlined.

Mots clés: 3-D printing; appropriate technology; OSAT; economic development; Recyclebot; developing communities; distributed manufacturing; solar powered 3D printers

Domaines: Environnements Informatiques pour l'Apprentissage Humain; Génie mécanique [physics.class-ph]

J Gwamuri, J E Poliskey, J M Pearce. Open Source 3-D Printers: An Appropriate Technology for Developing Communities. Proceedings to the 7th International Conference on Appropriate Technology, 2016. ⟨hal-02113460⟩