RMRD Technologies, a clean technology company based in Windsor, Ontario, has found a perfect partner in MatterHackers to power production of their 3D printed micro wind turbines in non-electrified communities in Central America.

“We were already using MatterControl software," said Lucas Semple, Business Director of RMRD, "So to now have the support of MatterHackers really brings the project to life. Utilizing their newest technology, MatterControl Touch, is a perfect fit for producing turbines in the remote areas we will be visiting."

Southern California based MatterHackers - developers of MatterControl software, MatterControl Touch, and one of the largest online retailers of 3D printers and filament in the US - will be providing much needed hardware and software support, as well as all filament required to complete remote manufacturing of at least 50 turbines.

“We are always looking for ways to use 3D printing for the greater good,” said MatterHackers Director of Business Development, Mara Hitner, “and these visionaries are going to answer what was previously just a hypothetical question: what would be possible if you introduced 3D printing to developing nations?”

RMRD recently completed a successful Kickstarter campaign for their Rural Deployment Initiative, raising $45,575 CAD to travel to Nicaragua with two 3D printers and an off-grid battery bank, bringing much-needed power to rural areas. Each micro wind turbine, utilizing 3D printed components, is designed to produce clean 5 volt USB power for charging of simple electronics in low wind speeds, generating power in a breeze of 2.5 m/s.

Previously, RMRD had constructed much larger turbines for community charging stations in Central America, but quickly found them unnecessary, as the people were only using them to charge cell phones and small electronics. They have since shifted their efforts to designing the micro wind turbine, which is portable and can be set up in minutes. The micro design allows the turbine to take advantage of a lower range of wind speeds, and the novel ‘sail blade’ is the first of its kind. The ultimate goal is to deploy these turbines for disaster relief, as well as for recreational uses like camping, hiking, and powering off-grid dwellings.

The Rural Deployment Initiative is scheduled to travel to Central America in December 2015, and micro turbines will soon be available for purchase on RMRD Tech’s website. RMRD will also produce a short documentary about the project, demonstrating how 3D printing is making it possible for world-changing initiatives like this to become a reality. For more info please visit www.rmrdtech.com.