# Huxley

> RepRap 3D printer

**Wikidata**: [Q53953539](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53953539)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/huxley

## Summary
Huxley is a RepRap 3D printer model, part of the RepRap Project's open-source hardware initiative. It is named after Thomas Henry Huxley, a 19th-century biologist, and is designed as a smaller, more compact alternative to other RepRap printers.

## Key Facts
- Huxley is a RepRap 3D printer model that uses additive manufacturing to create three-dimensional objects
- It is named after Thomas Henry Huxley, a 19th-century biologist
- The printer is licensed under the GNU General Public License
- It is part of the RepRap Project, an open-source hardware initiative
- Huxley is described as a "printer model" and is a subclass of 3D printers
- The printer has a dedicated Commons category: RepRap Huxley
- It is copyrighted and described at http://reprap.org/wiki/Huxley

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Huxley 3D printer?
A: The Huxley is a RepRap 3D printer model, designed as a compact and smaller alternative to other RepRap printers. It is part of the open-source RepRap Project and uses additive manufacturing technology to create three-dimensional objects.

### Q: Who is the Huxley 3D printer named after?
A: The Huxley 3D printer is named after Thomas Henry Huxley, a 19th-century biologist. The naming follows the RepRap Project's tradition of naming their printer models after notable scientists and thinkers.

### Q: What license is the Huxley 3D printer released under?
A: The Huxley 3D printer is released under the GNU General Public License, which is an open-source license that allows users to freely use, modify, and distribute the printer's design and software.

## Why It Matters
The Huxley 3D printer represents an important milestone in the democratization of manufacturing technology. As part of the RepRap Project, it embodies the principles of open-source hardware and self-replicating machines. The compact design of the Huxley makes 3D printing more accessible to individuals with limited space, potentially expanding the reach of this technology to more users. By being part of the RepRap ecosystem, Huxley contributes to a community-driven approach to innovation in 3D printing, where improvements and modifications can be shared freely. This model of development has the potential to accelerate advancements in 3D printing technology and make it more affordable and customizable for a wide range of applications, from education to prototyping to small-scale manufacturing.

## Notable For
- Compact design compared to other RepRap models, making it suitable for users with limited space
- Open-source nature under the GNU General Public License, allowing for free modification and distribution
- Named after Thomas Henry Huxley, continuing the RepRap Project's tradition of honoring notable scientists
- Part of the RepRap Project's self-replicating machine initiative, contributing to the advancement of open-source hardware
- Accessible documentation and community support through the RepRap wiki and Commons category

## Body
### Design and Specifications
The Huxley 3D printer is designed as a smaller, more compact version of other RepRap models. While specific dimensions are not provided in the source material, its compact nature suggests it is suitable for desktop use and environments with limited space. The printer uses additive manufacturing technology, building objects layer by layer from various materials, typically thermoplastics.

### Open-Source Philosophy
As part of the RepRap Project, the Huxley embodies the principles of open-source hardware. The printer's design and software are released under the GNU General Public License, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the technology. This approach encourages innovation and customization within the 3D printing community.

### Naming Convention
Following the RepRap Project's tradition, the Huxley printer is named after Thomas Henry Huxley, a prominent 19th-century biologist known as "Darwin's Bulldog" for his advocacy of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. This naming convention reflects the project's aim to honor scientific and intellectual contributions to human knowledge.

### Community and Documentation
The Huxley printer benefits from the extensive RepRap community and its documentation efforts. It has a dedicated Commons category (RepRap Huxley) and is described in detail on the RepRap wiki (http://reprap.org/wiki/Huxley). This centralized information hub provides users with access to build instructions, troubleshooting guides, and a platform for sharing modifications and improvements.

### Place in RepRap Ecosystem
As a RepRap 3D printer, the Huxley contributes to the project's goal of creating a self-replicating machine. While not fully self-replicating, RepRap printers like the Huxley can produce many of their own parts, reducing the cost and complexity of obtaining a 3D printer. This approach has significant implications for the accessibility and spread of 3D printing technology.

## References

1. [Source](http://reprap.org/wiki/Huxley)