Hello everyone,
It is wonderful to see the 3D Lab being discovered and used by the community on a regular basis. Some students from Spring semester visit to work on projects, but even more folks arrive from the community, hearing about the 3D Lab through various channels (friends, radio, newspapers, etc.). The laser engraver and 3D printers are used equally as much, enabling users to make things at various skill levels. We see people of all ages, too. It’s especially wonderful to see kids interested in the technology, often their first foray into 3D and 2D objects, design, and engineering. Our multiple methods of fabrication is a fine example of poly technic skill building.
Community members designing a plaque for the laser engraver
Community members helping each other
Student adding electronics to his R/C car
Community member printing an iPad case
Sadly, our most reliable 3D printer (the MakerBot Replicator 5th Generation) started acting up. Filament was permanently jammed in the extruder. Thankfully, we have a yearly maintenance plan that allows free replacement of broken parts for this printer. A quick call to MakerBot technical support and a new extruder is on its way! Extruders normally cost $175, so a $350 maintenance plan is well worth it.
The resin printer furnished by the Romich Foundation continues to amaze us. We’ll regale stories of projects in the next blog. We noticed that freshly printed resin parts are sticky and somewhat soft. Leaving parts outside in full sunlight allows them to cure and harden within hours, but sunny days are not always possible in Ohio (who knew?). With the help of Anthony, a community member, Barry Romich, and myself, we are building an ultraviolet light box that cures resin parts conveniently. The bulb was supplied by the community, Barry supplied electrical parts and Mylar reflective material, and I supplied the wood. We hope to have it ready for use next week!
Laser cut box from www.makercase.com
Mylar film reflecting the ultraviolet light
Cooling fans and air intake holes at bottom
Closed box, almost finished!
The kids summer camp with the Orrville Area Boys and Girls Club is nearing completion. The kids try their flying skills on computer simulations before flying their planes outside for the final time next week. They use the simulators with the same radio controlled controllers used to fly the planes, connected via USB. Kids waiting for their turn to fly worked with Anthony on the laser engraver to pass the time.
Stay tuned for the final session of summer camp next week!
See how 3D printing may help save rhinoceros horn poaching:
Speaking of bony things, see how 3D-printed ‘dough’ may help fix your fractured bones:
http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/05/3d-printed-bone-repair-material
Until next week,
Tom