CNN.com – The machine that can copy anything – Jun 2, 2005

But Bowyer told CNN the RepRap’s ability to copy itself could put rapid prototyping technology within reach of the world’s poorest communities by alleviating the need for the sort of large-scale industrial infrastructure common across the developed world.

“People can start manufacturing goods at a low price,” said Bowyer. “All one needs is a computer and a machine that can copy itself. It can spread without enormous expenditure of capital and where labor costs are low.

…

The key feature of the RepRap is its ability to print electrical circuits by squirting a metal alloy with a low-melting point from a heated nozzle.

The machine could build items ranging in size from a few millimeters to around 30 centimeters, such as plates, dishes, combs and musical instruments.

Larger or more complicated items could be assembled from smaller parts, and by adding extra parts such as screws and microchips.

Bowyer said the target of the project was to create a range of devices that could be assembled for around $500 using additional components commonly and cheaply available in hardware stores.

He also said that the technology could help solve some of the recycling issues commonly associated with plastics: “If the machine can copy itself, it can make its own recycler. When you break something you can just feed it into the recycler and break it down to its raw materials and re-build it.

— would be cool to send a bunch of these to Mars et al, before sending colonists.. or something-something