The University of Bath.
3D printers can print their own components.
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According to the RepRap project,” it is a self-replicating 3D printer. RepRap is short for replicating rapid prototyper. The RepRap Project started as an open-source project. Therefore, all designs produced under the project are released under a free software license. So, if you have a RepRap 3D printer, you can print parts of another RepRap printer and assemble them. Even if not all parts of the printer are 3D printed by the machine, being able to print most of the parts brings down the cost of the 3D printer significantly.
RepRap uses an additive manufacturing process called fused filament fabrication. RepRap allows printing several common use articles. The ability to print common articles by consumers is known to be environmentally friendly. RepRap was founded in 2005 by Dr. Adrian Bowyer, of the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. In 2011, RepRapPro, a company dedicated to open-source 3D printing was formed as a result of collaboration between RepRap Limited and eMAKER Limited. RepRap kits are available for purchase from RepRapPro.The customer purchases the kit and assembles it. At present, there are four different kits available for Ormerod, Mendel, Huxley, and Fisher.¨