This year's OSCON was treated to a chance to see the first RepRap "progeny." RepRap is a deluxe 3D printer that is capable of printing copies of itself.
On the way back, the TSA opened the case it was in and destroyed the printer.
On the return journey from OSCON, baggage handling found themselves outclassed. Instead of simply smacking the box around a few times as had happened on the outbound trip, the TSA dismantled the custom hard-case for the RepRap by removing the 16 bolts securing the top panel rather than undoing the 8 bolts marked "Open".
Unable to fit the panel back on again – it was not meant to come off so the nuts were not captive – they simply sent it on its way with the panel detached. I retrieved it from the conveyor – as opposed from the fragile/outsize section despite clear "Fragile" stickers on every face…
(Thanks, Steve!)
