A group of scientists recently released a complete Open-source metal 3-D printer:
This paper reports on the development of a <$2000 open-source metal 3-D printer. The metal 3-D printer is controlled with an open-source micro-controller and is a combination of a low-cost commercial gas-metal arc welder and a derivative of the Rostock, a deltabot RepRap. The bill of materials, electrical and mechanical design schematics, and basic construction and operating procedures are provided. A preliminary technical analysis of the properties of the 3-D printer and the resultant steel products are performed. The results of printing customized functional metal parts are discussed and conclusions are drawn about the potential for the technology and the future work necessary for the mass distribution of this technology.
read the original on Open-source metal 3-D printer – Appropedia: The sustainability wiki.
Read the news also on Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/12/131202171920.htm
