Make (almost) anything with McMaster’s new – and free – 3D printer
Some of the items already printed by the Lyons New Media Centre's new 3D printer, including a pencil holder in the shape of a Storm Trooper head (top left) and an iPhone holder (top right).
Ever wondered how a 3D printer works? Are you curious about the technology, but not sure how to get started?
Thanks to the MSU’s Student Life Enhancement Fund, a new 3D printer is now available to students, faculty and staff across McMaster.
The printer, currently free of charge, is the latest addition to the suite of digital resources available in the Lyons New Media Centre located in Mills Library.
According to Associate University Librarian Dale Askey, the idea is to make this emerging technology available to everyone at McMaster.
“There’s a trend going on right now to not only draw and create with software, but also to physically produce and replicate objects in 3D,” says Askey. “Increasingly, students will need to become familiar with this process, but unless they’re in specific programs where they have access to labs with 3D printers, most won’t be exposed to this technology. Our goal is to make 3D printing accessible to all students.”
A number of students and staff have already been experimenting with the printer, creating a number of small objects ranging from the functional (an iPhone stand) to the fanciful (a Gryffindor coat of arms).
“It’s a creative process, just like picking up a pencil, paintbrush, or clay,” says Askey. “We hope the accessibility of the printer will inspire students from all Faculties to experiment with this technology.”
Lyons New Media Centre staff are available to help students use the printer and to provide resources and advice on how to get started.
Learn more about the printer.
Want to see how the 3D printer works? Check out this Instagram video and find out.
