Been checking up on RepRap’s site every few weeks. It’s pretty cool. For those unfamiliar:

-”RepRap is short for Replicating Rapid-prototyper.” Rapid Prototyping device (aka 3d printer)
-Currently only working with plastics, but will have capability for many things (see below)
-It’s goal is the ability to be assembled for less than $400 and also to be SELF-REPLICATING (piece by piece)
-Powered by open source software, usable on all platforms, and built with parts and materials readily available all across the globe
-The names of two models being developed are Zaphod and Darwin.

I noticed on the front page it said: “RepRap will make plastic, ceramic, or metal parts,” so I did a little searching.

Found <a href=”http://reprap.org/bin/view/Main/MaterialsScience”>this page</a>, which explains how materials are used in a rapid prototyping device. It’s interesting. Most interesting, I think, is Metal Clay, which is powdered metal mixed with a binding agent. It’s used like clay, then fired in a kiln or torched. The binding agent is burned out, the metal shrinks (filling the gaps sort of) due to sintering, and viola! You can use (extremely expensive) gold or metal “clay” and make rings and jewelry. That’s pretty cool.

You can also make circuit boards, it’s been done already using using silver paint.

Imagine losing some piece of a toy or device and finding a database online containing millions of schematics for everyday things, including the piece you need replaced, and then “printing” it out.

Very cool. There’s also a comment about how it’ll bring down capitalism, whatever. No it won’t (nor should it), no more then Blender3d or Linux will. It’ll just narrow the gap more, keep manufacturers from making too much money, and allow people like me to get hours of fun making weird 3D paper weights and printing them out.

Of course, my real question is, and I’m sure the answer is no, no way, not even a little possible, but could this somehow (in it’s advanced stages) make a computer processor?

I also remember years ago reading about scientists, using a special cartridge, printing a functional LCD screen onto acetate (using a normal inkjet printer, I believe). Imagine the two technologies together. Make your own PMP, maybe you have to buy the chips and solder them in, and also a light for the back light, a hard drive (or a flash drive), wires and stuff, but so what? Open Standard, download someone else’s design, print it out, and assemble it. Welcome to the future.