WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?
Materials other than ink are dispensed from printer-type nozzles onto moving platforms. Layers of patterns result in 3D objects. This technology of printing physical 3D objects from digital data is called Additive Manufacture. The rotation of the platform, the design of the object, and the amount of material– usually plastic PLA, or polylactic acid, which is made from corn – is controlled via graphic design software.
Although 3D printing technologies have existed for several decades, developments in the last few years have led to much more widespread use. New 3D printing tools provide a personal factory for individuals to easily scan, design, and produce detailed custom 3D objects such as sculptural pieces, mechanical parts, and product prototypes.
WHAT IS USF’S MAKERSPACE?
Makerspaces are revolutionizing the current educational system, engaging students in hands-on projects and helping them develop highly competitive skills in a creative and innovative way. Implementing design thinking to transform a computer storage room, students from the Digital Technologies for Teaching and Learning program have built a space designed for 3D printing technology. The Makerspace, which now resides at the Center for Instruction and Technology, is an invaluable resource for USF community members interested in 3D fabrication work. The small designated work space is meant to be a place for creative activity and features CIT’s recently acquired 3D printer, a Type A Machine Series 1 Pro.
HOW TO USE USF’S MAKERSPACE?
The Makerspace is open to all students and faculty of the University of San Francisco, but to be able to use the space everyone has to follow the following workflow:
- Attend a Workshop: to gain access to the makerspace it is obligatory to attend a live workshop, where you will learn first hand about the space and the machine. You can attend as many workshops as you want. To register to the workshops go here.
- Reserve your Space: once you have attended a workshop you will be given access to our makerspace reservation, you can look for available times and reserve the room for your use., keep in mind that classes have a priority. To reserve the Makerspace go here.
- Watch the tutorials: we have a variety of tutorials available for your use, from how to set up the printer to a couple of troubleshooting solutions. Be sure to check them out here.
- Print: once you have the space reserve and your design ready, it is time to print. Remember that 3D printing takes some time, and there is much to be learned about it, don’t freak out if your printing isn’t perfect, you can always stop and try again.
- Clean: after you are done printing, or when your time is up, be sure to clean the room, if the room is left dirty your makerspace use will be revoked.
- Share your 3D prints: after you are done, fill out this form to let us know how much filament you used and your overall experience, also if you want you can share your creations with everyone sending us a picture of final product.
- Join the community: Part of creating a successful makerspace lies in building a community, join us for special guest speakers and field trips to other makerspaces. Check out our event calendar here.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Pleas read our Acceptable Use Policy before attending a workshop, when you reserve the use of the Makerspace you are agreeing to the terms of use.
