The Michigan Tech Open Sustainability Technology Research Group is investigating the mechanical properties of parts produced with RepRap-style 3D printers and they need samples to put through extensive testing. They require a very large number of samples of “tensile bars” to undergo testing. They say:
We are currently asking for companies/individuals with 3D printers to donate sets of tensile bars. Each set/bundle should be composed of 10 tensile bars printed with identical settings. There is no limit on the number of sets you can send. As your specimens will be destroyed during testing they will not be returned. All sets must be mailed by November 1, 2012.
Why do this? Because they’ll provide you with a receipt for a “gift in kind” that can be used on your US taxes. You specify a reasonable amount based on your cost of production. You’ll also receive copies of the final reports on both your bars and the entire test.
If your RepRap 3D printer is idle, why not provide some tensile bars to MOST?
