μRepRap Project Develops Micro-Scale 3D Printing and Fabrication Systems

Advancements in Micro-Scale Fabrication

The μRepRap Project has made progress in developing micro-scale 3D printing and fabrication systems. The PIKA V0.02 hardware demonstrates repeatable positioning of approximately 1μm and reliable 10μm accuracy within an 8mm cubic volume. This system has successfully deposited UV resin droplets as small as 4μm and cured 9μm resin lines using a fiber optic probe.

Project Goals and Context

The μRepRap Project aims to bring micro-fabrication capabilities to a wider audience, mirroring the impact of the original RepRap project on macro-scale 3D printing. The objective is to create a macro-scale 3D printed system for micron fabrication and manipulation, while simultaneously developing techniques to reproduce similar systems at the micron scale.

Microelectronics and Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) are critical components in modern electronics. Current fabrication methods, largely silicon-based since the 1960s, are often complex, costly, and inaccessible to hobbyists.

Hardware Iterations and Documentation

Previous iterations include the PIKA V0.02, which was completed around May 2026, and the MAUS C V0.04, which achieved approximately 5μm positioning over a 4mm square. The MAUS C V0.04 has thorough documentation, including a bill of materials and build process instructions. The MAUS 'L' V0.05 μRepRap is currently under development as of February 2026.