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RepRap machine. The RepRap is a self-replicating rapid prototyping machine. A rapid prototyper is a 3D printer that is able to fabricate three dimensional objects from a computer-based model. The RepRap machine extrudes thermoplastic polymer from it's printer head (centre right) to form 3D parts (black coloured component at centre). It is able to manufacture the majority of parts to make another RepRap, apart from sensors, motors and other non-replicable components. As of September 2008, over 100 RepRaps copies have been created around the world. Bowyer is a mechanical engineer at the University of Bath, UK. Photographed in 2008. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/JAMES KING-HOLMES)