Open Source 3-D Printers: An Appropriate Technology for Building Low Cost Optics Labs for the Developing Communities .
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Date
2017-08-16
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers
Abstract
The recent introduction of RepRap (self-replicating rapid prototyper) 3-D printers and the resultant open source
technological improvements have resulted in affordable 3-D printing, enabling low-cost distributed manufacturing for
individuals. This development and others such as the rise of open source-appropriate technology (OSAT) and solar
powered 3-D printing are moving 3-D printing from an industry based technology to one that could be used in the
developing world for sustainable development. In this paper, we explore some specific technological improvements and
how distributed manufacturing with open-source 3-D printing can be used to provide open-source 3-D printable optics
components for developing world communities through the ability to print less expensive and customized products. This
paper presents an open-source low cost optical equipment library which enables relatively easily adapted customizable
designs with the potential of changing the way optics is taught in resource constraint communities. The study shows that
this method of scientific hardware development has a potential to enables a much broader audience to participate in
optical experimentation both as research and teaching platforms. Conclusions on the technical viability of 3-D printing to
assist in development and recommendations on how developing communities can fully exploit this technology to
improve the learning of optics through hands-on methods have been outlined.
Description
open access journal article
Keywords
UNESCO, SPIE, OSA, Optics Kits, 3-D printers, OSAT, Open source lab
Citation
J. Gwamuri and Joshua M. P. "Open source 3D printers: an appropriate technology for building low cost optics labs for the developing communities," Proc. SPIE 10452, 14th Conference on Education and Training in Optics and Photonics: ETOP 2017, 104522S (16 August 2017)