The Open-Source Desktop Printer (RepRap)
The expiration of FDM patents sparks a movement.
Bringing manufacturing out of the factory and onto the desktop.
Open in interactive timeline →Key Numbers
- 2010 Era Speed
- ~40-60 mm/s
Verified Facts
- Early desktop 3D printers required constant tinkering, leveling, and maintenance. Printing a simple object was often a multi-day trial-and-error process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was The Open-Source Desktop Printer (RepRap)?
Bringing manufacturing out of the factory and onto the desktop.
When did The Open-Source Desktop Printer (RepRap) happen?
The Open-Source Desktop Printer (RepRap): 2009 CE.
Why does The Open-Source Desktop Printer (RepRap) matter?
The expiration of FDM patents sparks a movement.
Sources & Further Reading
Cite This Page
AskHistoryAI. “The Open-Source Desktop Printer (RepRap).” AskHistoryAI — Interactive Timeline of Everything. Updated 2026-09-11. https://askhistoryai.com/event/tech-3dprint-launch/
Every fact on this page is checked against the published fact ledger and methodology; sources are listed above.