Hello everyone,

With the Wayne County Mini Maker Faire two weeks behind us, we are busy improving the 3D Lab for the upcoming Fall semester.  We are repairing printers, cleaning equipment, and installing new equipment, notably two new Prusa i3  MK3 3D printers and a button maker!

The Wayne College 3D Lab is a free to use, open to the public makerspace for students and community members.  You can learn more about the lab in the attached brochure.  The lab is open throughout the summer from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, so feel free to stop by to make something creative!

 

It’s hard to believe the lab has been in operation for four years.  We’ve had so many interesting people and projects in the lab over the years.  To read some of these stories, please read our blog here.  Our portable 3D printer has made almost 80 offsite demonstrations over those years from county faires to schools to rotary clubs.  If you’re not doing any this Saturday morning/afternoon, check-out our 3D printing table at the “Kids Day of Safety & Play” at the Medina Public Square.

 

Earlier this year, Heartland Education Community and The University of Akron Wayne College jointly offered a workshop where kids designed and laser-cut custom fidget spinners.  Fidget spinners are more than a toy in this class, they’re educational!  Kids used modern technology and vector art software to create their very own fidget spinners. We walked kids through the computer design process on the first day of class at Heartland Point. On the second day, kids met at Wayne College to use the laser cutter to create their designs. The class was a big hit and kids had so much fun.  Thanks to Desmond, one of our 3D Lab staff, for assisting that day.

 

Also earlier this year, Kari from the College of Wooster visited the Wayne College 3D Lab to use the laser engraver to engrave designs onto plexiglass.  Her designs were put on display and are titled “Illuminate: Nightlight Lam and Lantern Series”.  She created the designs with Adobe Creative Suite.  The laser engraver produced a white pattern on the plexiglass, similar to sandblasting.  These plastic sheets with varied designs were layered together then illuminated from behind, producing beautiful artwork!  We are happy that Kari found the 3D Lab possible to realize her designs.

 

An invasion of young adults from Wooster Christian School came to the 3D Lab in early April!  They had an exciting time learning about 3D printing and how to use the equipment to make their own 3D printed objects.  These students also learned how to operate the laser engraver to make water bottles and keychains (courtesy of P. Graham Dunn), created custom decals with the vinyl cutter, and rummaged through 3D spare parts bins to make their own creations.  3D printers are perfect for sparking these young minds into possible careers in engineering and art.  All had a good time that day!

 

Again, the 3D Lab is open throughout the summer from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, so feel free to stop by to make something creative!  Stay tuned as we have more interesting stories to tell.

 

Learn how to use 3D printing to create custom cookie cutters!
https://www.sparkfun.com/news/2658

See how University of Akron students create 3D arm brace for a 14-year-old:
https://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/04/university_of_akron_students_c.html

 

Learn how to Supersize Your Noggin with a Lens and Cardboard Box!
https://makezine.com/projects/fat-head-cardboard-box

Made this hanging gear clock with a CNC or manual router:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Hanging-Gear-Clock

 

We are pleased to announce Wayne County Mini Maker Faire 2019!  Stay tuned as we will note the day and time of next year’s event soon.

 

Last month’s Maker Monday at Wooster High School was an incredible event.  Don’t miss the next Maker Monday which is Monday, June 18th, 7:00 p.m. at The Schantz Organ Company.  Everyone is welcome.

 

We offer a free “listserv” that allows to you ask questions to members in the makerspace. It’s great for sharing ideas, forming friendships, and helping & advising each other. To join, send an email to listserv@lists.uakron.edu with

“SUBSCRIBE MAKERSPACE-GROUP” in the subject line.

 

Until next week,

Tom