RS Components and RepRapPro sign distribution deal for 3D printers

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents, has signed a distribution agreement with RepRapPro that will deliver affordable, open-source, self-replicating 3D printing technology to engineers worldwide - a process which is becoming an essential part of electronic and mechanical design.

The completion of the deal coincides with the launch of the RepRapPro Ormerod 3D printer. When used in conjunction with the free DesignSpark Mechanical 3D modelling software, the 3D printing kit will enable design engineers around the world to develop sophisticated concepts and products quickly and inexpensively. The printer is easy to expand in functionality, fast to replicate (all RepRapPro printers are capable of self-replicating their own plastic components) and fast to assemble (2 h).

The printer uses the FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) process to build 3D objects in a range of plastics and in a variety of colours. This enables the user to create almost any shape that can be modelled on a computer, including some that cannot be produced by traditional manufacturing techniques at all. While the Ormerod is a monochrome 3D printer that has been configured to work with one type of plastic at a time, the device is fundamentally designed to work with three-colour deposition; an upgrade kit is to be made available soon.

“The availability of low-cost 3D printing technology with the RepRapPro Ormerod, combined with the free and intuitive DesignSpark Mechanical and library of 3D component models from RS, is the dawn of a new era of 3D design and rapid prototyping that will see it move from a niche group of CAD specialists to a much wider spectrum of users,” said Mark Cundle, head of technical marketing at RS Components.

RS has made available 500 limited edition RS-branded Ormerod printers on its website. Standard Ormerod printers will be available to purchase from RS in January.

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