3d Printer Grows Second Head

July 14, 2010 - PRLog -- The RapMan 3.1 3D printer, which has proved popular with schools and colleges across the UK, can now print a whole new exciting range of objects now that a kit is available to upgrade it to a two-headed machine.

The award-winning popular kit printer developed by Bits from Bytes, enables school students to “print” plastic objects they have designed using computer aided design (CAD) software.

Until now the printers had a single head and only one type of material could be used. Now an upgrade kit has been launched which enables a second printer head to be added – this can print in a different material enabling objects with voids to be printed.

The kit, which costs £149.50, is available from Bits from Bytes and is set to revolutionise design and technology lessons across the country.

Andy McLaren, sales director for Bits from Bytes, said: “We always knew that the RapMan was lagging behind the imagination of students, who are producing some interesting objects that were beyond the capabilities of a single-headed machine.

“This upgrade enables schools to keep the kit they have lovingly built and tended and add on a new capability that will excite and enthuse their design and technology students.”

RapMan 3.1 won the Digital Devices Award at this year’s BETT Awards, the education “Oscars”, which celebrate the best and innovative technology solutions available for classrooms worldwide.

The machine is a development of RepRap, which was conceived at Bath University. Bits from Bytes worked loosely with educational professionals to develop and market the 3D printer in kit form.

Bits from Bytes Technical director Ian Adkins said: “Every innovation with RapMan has been tested with teachers and in the classroom to ensure it meets the needs of the national curriculum.

“Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is a core part of the design and technology curriculum, yet many schools struggle to deliver the manufacturing side because equipment has proved too expensive in the past. That is why we wanted this upgrade to be as affordable as possible for schools with a limited budget.”

A two-headed RapMan 3.1 3D printer is now available for £1,050 compared with typical commercial 3D printers at £15,000. The kit takes around three days to assemble and the school then has a working rapid prototyper for use in class.

The kits are now in educational establishments across the UK and have been selling in the United States, Columbia and New Zealand. For more information see www.bitsfrombytes.com.