Interview with Adrian Bowyer
In this interview, we explore the future of 3D printing with Adrian Bowyer, famous mathematician, inventor of the RepRap DIY 3D printer, and inadvertent co-founder of the current Maker Movement where related to additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
KM: Adrian, thanks for joining us. As the inventor of the RepRap, did you imagine 3D printing would make the impact it has?
AB: I thought it probable. Before RepRap, when my university bought two 3D printers at my request and I started to use them, I immediately realized that they were a transformative technology. They just make it so easy to manufacture things.
KM: In your mind, what is the future of 3D modeling and fabrication?
AB: Uncertain. But that is not a special aspect of 3D modeling and fabrication, nor of my knowledge of its future. The future of almost everything is uncertain. Repeated studies have shown that people who are specialists in an area (anything from politics through finance to engineering) are no better at predicting the future of their speciality than tossing a coin. The only people who's view on the future should be listened to are those who make large numbers of predictions and who get instant feedback on their accuracy; people like weather forecasters and surgeons. And they should only be believed when they are talking about their area of specialist prediction.
I know a lot about 3D modeling and fabrication. But if you ask me about their future you will get an answer that is no better than a random guess. But it will be no worse than any other expert's random guess :-)
KM: We recently held an Intro to 3D Printing 101 class at Knox Makers. Attendees had questions about the 3D printers' limitations, and future developments. One example is that we discussed sensors for detecting belt slippage. What are the most important areas to you that can be improved in future RepRap models and modifications?
AB: To the specific point for a moment: RepRap uses toothed belts and pulleys that can't slip.
But to the more general question: I think that the two most important areas for RepRap development are the use of multi-materials - especially materials with radically different physical properties - and improving the design to make RepRap as easy as possible to assemble.
The multi-materials will allow a greater proportion of the machine to be printed by itself.
And the ease of assembly will assist its reproduction and spread because more people will be able to make RepRaps more quickly.
KM: We also discussed techniques for addressing overhang limitations in 3D printers such as the RepRap. What are the next big steps in 3D printing related to overhang limitations?
AB: Well - like all 3D printers RepRap uses support material for overhangs, and this is pretty successful. And a soluble support will be one of the things that comes out of the multi-materials that I mentioned above.