# µRepRap: Micron-Scale 3D Printing

> A home-built 3D printer achieves 1μm precision for micron-scale manufacturing.
- Title: µRepRap: Micron-Scale 3D Printing · GitHub | Shortify
- Summary: A home-built 3D printer achieves 1μm precision for micron-scale manufacturing. Vik Olliver's µRepRap project creates a 1μm precise 3D printer using…
- Keywords: reprap, micron, 3d printing, µreprap, vik olliver, openflexure, uv resin, fibre optic probe, stepper motors, technology, startups, Micron-Scale
- Source: GitHub — https://github.com/VikOlliver/RepRapMicron/wiki
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: reprap, micron, 3d printing, µreprap, vik olliver, openflexure, uv resin, fibre optic probe, stepper motors, technology, startups
## µRepRap Overview
The µRepRap is a RepRap capable of micron and sub-micron fabrication using common materials.

> The µRepRap is intended to be a RepRap (a replicating 3D printer) capable of micron (1/1000th of a millimetre, or 1µm) and sub-micron fabrication, made with only common and easily accessible materials.
## PIKA Version
PIKA V0.02 produces 1μm positioning accuracy and 10μm resin line precision in an 8mm cubic volume.

> PIKA V0.02 hardware is producing repeatable positioning of approximately 1μm and reliable 10μm or better accuracy in an approximately 8mm cubic volume.
## MAUS Version
MAUS V0.05 achieved 5μm positioning over a 4mm square but motion is not linear.

> This achieved approximately 5μm positioning best case over a 4mm square, though motion is not linear.
## Microelectronics Context
MEMS are essential in everyday electronics, but traditional fabrication is costly and complex.

> Microelectronics and Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) are essential components of most of the electronic wizardry we use in our everyday lives
## OpenFlexure Project
The OpenFlexure Project developed sub-micron resolution microscope platforms for micron-scale fabrication.

> microscope platforms capable of sub-micron resolution were developed by The OpenFlexure Project
## Requirements
Micron-scale printing needs 3-axis positioning, CAD/CAM software, axis zeroing sensors, and a deposition system.

> Micron scale 3d printing has many of the same requirements that The RepRap Project developed when initially printing on the macro scale
## Probe Print Head
A 0.5mm hypodermic needle or acupuncture needle can be used as a probe for initial testing.

> A robust probe for initial testing can be made from a 0.5mm hypodermic needle or 0.25mm acupuncture needle
## Building Materials
UV resin is deposited using capillary action for sub-15μm droplets with minimal equipment.

> Additive fabrication is currently implemented by transferring minute quantities of "Top Coat" UV nail gel resin with the probe
## Funding
The project is funded through GitHub issues and Buy Me A Coffee donations.

> The RepRapMicron is not funded by any academic institution, or any organization. If you wish to collaborate on any part of the project, open a Github issue and be welcomed. If you wish to contribute financially, Vik's Workshop has a Buy Me A Coffee link.
## Summary
The µRepRap aims to enable micron-scale fabrication and future smaller-scale replication.

> The current μRepRap 3D printer is intended to provide a platform for further hardware and software development on the micron scale.
## Key takeaway

Vik Olliver's µRepRap project creates a 1μm precise 3D printer using accessible materials for micron-scale fabrication.