http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/26/solar-sinter-solar-powered-3d-printer-turns-sand-into-glass-ren/
Markus Kayser’s Solar Sinter turns Saharan sand into a perfectly suitable glass bowl. There’s a neat video showing the process in action.
This is so awesome. Beyond RepRap, big open source hardware. Tractors, brick presses, etc. You can build them locally for a fraction of the cost of regular machinery, and then also use locally available materials (like rubble on your building site to make more bricks).
If you’re technically capable and looking for a local business opportunity – start building some of this stuff, and offer your services in the neighborhood. You’ll be able operate cheaper and provide things that others cannot compete with. Total win.
Another article on the GVCS (Global Village Construction Set):
Farmers build green machines using open source technology
The Brisbane RepRap is (finally) getting built. One of the “shareholders” has found himself having abundant time for a bit, and is tacking the job in the Hackerspace Brisbane location. See James Churchill’s blog for progress reports and photos.
The group that owns this RepRap kit has a Google group – feel free to join if you’re interested!