The Digital Manufacturing Lab is now open at the Bath Ventures’ Innovation Centre to showcase the power and the potential of RepRap 3D printing technology. The Lab provides easy access to 3D printing and prototyping for new product ideas, all in an environment supported by experts.

RepRap was conceived by Dr Adrian Bowyer at the University of Bath in 2004. It is a low cost open source rapid prototyping system. A RepRap printer is also capable of manufacturing a vast range of 3D plastic objects from computer designs. To date there are over 6,000 RepRap machines in use world-wide by both individuals and companies.

Funded by the University’s KTA account the Lab will also showcase RepRap technology to increase awareness of its potential benefits for businesses.

“Could 3D printing end our throwaway culture?
The technology has improved and simplified allowing recycled materials to be used for print purposes”

The Guardian

“RepRap is a different, revolutionary way of approaching invention. It could allow people to change the ergonomics of a design to their own specific needs.”

Sir James Dyson

“Think of RepRap as a China on your desktop”

Chris DiBona, Google Inc.