3D Printed Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism was believed to be fabricated as early as 211 BC on the island of Rhodes near Greece. In 1901, the largest fragment was found in an underwater shipwreck off the coast of Antikythera, hence its name. Although its exact function is unknown, after very careful collection and study of the fragments found, researchers believe that the device was used to track planetary motion. The gears inside calculate a variety of things including the phases of the moon, the orbit of the sun around the Earth (as the ancient Greeks believed that the Earth was the center of the solar system), and eclipses of the sun and the moon. The Antikythera Mechanism was incredibly ahead of its time. It is often credited with being the world's first computer as another device of similar complexity was not seen in Europe until nearly a thousand years later. 

The Antikythera Senior Design Team at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is creating a 3D printed replica of the Ancient Greek analog computer to be donated to The Science Center in Carbondale as an educational display for children and adults alike. In order to create such a replica, however, the team requires funds to obtain materials necessary to create a durable and child-friendly version. Materials needed include resins used to 3D print, Plexiglas to create a clear case, paints to color code the gears as a learning tool, and software to allow for the creation of an interactive digital display to delve into the inner-workings of the gears. Any donations would be much appreciated by both the team and future visitors to The Science Center. Thank you!