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3D Printing at Bethel University Library

Introduction

Bethel University Library provides use of 4 consumer level desktop 3D Printers in the Makerspace. This technology allows you to build physical objects from digital models that you can create by sending us a file to print an actual 3-dimensional model that can be held, felt, and examined from all angles!

How it Works

When you submit your digital file to the library to be printed and accept the time and cost estimate, your digital file is processed and created on a 3D printer to deliver a plastic model into your hands. Your digital file is "cut" into many slices -- the 3D printer turns these slices into thin layers of extruded plastic. As the printer lays down each layer, the object begins to take shape from the ground up. This is what coined the term "additive manufacturing".

Additive Manufacturing

The technology to accomplish this sort of fabrication has existed for decades, but the equipment and materials costs meant that these devices were limited to large companies and specialists. 3D printing is now experiencing an emergence of very affordable machines (such as our printers) that put this technology in smaller businesses and homes, and professionals in all fields are embracing the ability to rapidly create objects for all kinds of purposes.

Low Cost 3D Printers

One of the first and most influencial projects is the RepRap Project. "RepRap (a contraction of replicating rapid prototyper) is a project to develop low-cost 3D printers that can print most of their own components." from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap

Innovation

Learning to use 3D printers will advanced your knowledge and enable you to realize the potential of this innovative technology. Check out how 3D models are used in the fields of work below.

Biomedical -- dental models, anatomical modelling
Engineering -- gears, structural models
Theatre -- scale models of proposed sets and set pieces
Art and design -- reproductions and replicas, original work with poetry
Geography -- 3D maps, terrain visualizations
History -- See Abraham Lincoln's face in three dimensions
Biology/Anthropology -- bones of Lucy the Australopithecus afarensis
Thingiverse -- 3D models for everyone to try including creativie gifts, mementos, replacement parts, what ever you can imagine.

Get started today!

Resources on 3D Printing in our Collection

Fabricated by Hod Lipson; Melba Kurman
ISBN: 9781118416945
Publication Date: 2013-01-22
Fabricated tells the story of 3D printers, humble manufacturing machines that are bursting out of the factory and into schools, kitchens, hospitals, even onto the fashion catwalk. Fabricated describes our emerging world of printable products, where people design and 3D print their own creations as easily as they edit an online document. A 3D printer transforms digital information into a physical object by carrying out instructions from an electronic design file, or "blueprint."
3D Printing for Dummies by Kirk Hausman
ISBN: 9781118660775
Publication Date: 2014-01-08
As 3D printing is becoming more accessible, it is important for designers and architects to know how to utilize the technology. SketchUp is a popular 3D modelling tool and is among the easiest programs to work with as a beginner. Whether printing on your desktop, or outsourcing to a commercial 3D print service, this is a skill you'll want in your portfolio.

Up and Running with 3D Printing
This 1 hour 16 minute introduction to 3D printing is available to Bethel community members by signing in to Lynda.com.
Getting Started with Makerbot 3D Printers
This 1 hr 5 min video introduces the hardware, software and maintenance best practices for Makerbot 3D Printers.

Links of Interest

U of Minnesota researchers print electronics and cells directly on human skin
In a groundbreaking new study, researchers at the University of Minnesota used a customized, low-cost 3D printer to print electronics on a real hand for the first time. The technology could be used by soldiers on the battlefield to print temporary sensors on their bodies to detect chemical or biological agents or solar cells to charge essential electronics.
Open 3D Human Anatomy | Craig Bonsignore
Finally, a complete source of 3D digital human anatomy that is freely available, accessible, and suitable for use in with solid and surface CAD software.
Skyfall Filmmakers 3D-Printed This Rare Aston Martin So They Wouldn't Damage the Original
The effects crew modelmakers called on a company called Voxeljet, who used a massive 3D printer with a capacity of 283 cubic feet to reproduce three 1:3 scale models of the Aston Martin. Each pseudo-miniature was actually assembled from 18 individual components so that they could be assembled with real-life functionality such as opening doors, trunks, and hoods.
Want to Design and Print a Robot? Autodesk's Newest App Is for You | Wired Design | Wired.com
According to Christian Pramuk, product manager for the 123D apps, the goal was to build something that was super intuitive for new users, while having enough features to keep intermediate and advanced users interested. The best illustration of this approach can be seen in the prepackaged kits that ship with the software. There’s a house kit and a train kit and a robot kit, with many more to come, available for download from the web. Each kit is a collection of pre-made parts that Autodesk’s designers think you might enjoy using to customize a design.
3D printing: Difference Engine: The PC all over again? | The Economist
As with any disruptive technology—from the printing press to the photocopier and the personal computer—3D printing is going to upset existing manufacturers, who are bound to see it as a threat to their traditional way of doing business. And as 3D printing proliferates, the incumbents will almost certainly demand protection from upstarts with low cost of entry to their markets.
Lost PLA Casting from 3D Prints
Describes a successful attempt casting aluminum parts directly from 3D printed PLA parts. The process is practically identical to lost wax, but instead of burning out the wax, I burned out the PLA plastic (which is a bio-plastic).
Automatic Transmission Model by emmett - Thingiverse
It has six forward speeds and one reverse. Real automatic transmissions have a hydraulic or electrical system that engages different clutches and brakes to shift gears depending on the driving situation. With this model you control those simplified brakes and clutches yourself.
Reims Cathedral Kitset by m_bergman - Thingiverse
3D printer to carve out world's first full-size building
The production of the building will be done on a 3D printer called the D-Shape, which was invented by Enrico Dini. The D-Shape uses a stereolithography printing process with sand and a binding agent -- letting builders create structures that are supposedly as strong as concrete.
DIY Bioprinter Lets Wannabe Scientists Build Structures From Living Cells | Wired Design | Wired.com
A new bioprinter developed at a hackerspace can print living cells for less than the cost of an iPod touch.
3D Printing Advances Dentistry in London - FT.com
Dentists are using the technology to make precise models of patients’ faces, jaws and teeth, so as to plan procedures such as implants and facial surgery