This week in class, we had a guest speaker from the “Fab Lab” on the University of Illinois’ campus. Jeff is not only an energetic and exciting public speaker, he is also very knowledgeable on all of the different tools and machines that his lab offers. I was very shocked to find out how many things one could do in the fab lab- I am especially interested in the digital embroidery machine. I used to be an Irish Dancer, and our costumes are extremely intricately embroidered and bedazzled. Having access to a digital embroidery machine and knowing how to use it could save Irish Dancers literally thousands of dollars on one single dress.
Jeff also showed us how many employees the Fab Lab has- I was shocked! For such a small and unassuming building on campus, and one that doubles as a dance studio, I couldn’t believe how many people are involved in running it. I suppose it makes sense in that one person would have trouble being an expert on all of the machines that are available. It was also cool to learn that many of these employees and volunteers are from all walks of life, all ages, all different jobs (artists, engineers, writers, etc). Jeff himself is a Library Science and Informatics guy, but is heavily involved in the Fab Lab.
In class, I learned how to use a 3D printer, at last! The people who were leading the class were very knowledgeable and helpful with all questions we had. Not only that, but Scott (who is in my group) has been to free printing days before, so had some experience with the printers. We spent a little time designing our logo on the computers before trying out a print. Our first print didn’t stick to the plate very well, so we had to retry it again before it worked. We are very proud of how it ended up looking!
Another thing I found online, which I found to be interesting, is an article about a company who is looking to raise at least 50 million dollars in order to finally get a 3D printed heart to the market. This is what most amazes me about the 3D printing and digital making world- the fact that we are becoming advanced enough to make things like human organs that are functional and can save lives, or to at least improve lives (like with 3D printed ears). It always made me slightly sad (even though it’s the circle of life) to know that for every person that is saved by a transplant, someone else had to die. It also is sad that so many people are on the waiting list for organs and may die before any become available. This new 3D printing organs idea can change all of that, which I find truly astonishing. I’m excited to continue to learn, in class and through my own research, about the useful or simply fun things that are coming out of this new phenomenon.
BIOLIFE4D Seeking to Raise $50M For Bringing 3D Printed Heart Transplant System to Market
Shayna,
Great post! I really like your team’s logo. The design and slogan of it really embodies the idea of innovation and the maker mindset. I really resonate with your comment about the size of the Fablab. I too was shocked by the amount of people involved, the network, and the impact of the lab. I also felt like this past week I greatly enhanced my understanding of how 3D printing works from the videos and readings. The opportunity to go through the design and printing process really helped enhance my knowledge of 3D printing. I am looking forward to getting back into the lab on Wednesday to continue making!
Hey Shayna! Nice logo (for those of you who don’t know – we’re in the same group)!
I thought your insight on 3D printing and Irish dancing was really interesting.
“Having access to a digital embroidery machine and knowing how to use it could save Irish Dancers literally thousands of dollars on one single dress.”
I really agree with this comment. My best friend used to Irish Dance competitively. She only had one dress all throughout high school and college because she couldn’t afford another dress. All the embroidery makes those dresses very, very expensive (as I’m sure you know). I remember her mentioning multiple times how she’d love to get a new dress, but couldn’t. As much as I don’t want the talented people who make these dresses to be out of a job, it would have been amazing if her dress designs could have been 3D printed. Embroidery machines do exist, but they are a lot of money and the designs the make are still very expensive.
Shayna, thanks for your post. Can I be the first to say that I think you have the best team logo in the class (of those I’ve seen so far, at least!) It’s clean and evocative of innovation and forward-progress. I’m glad you had some collective experience on your team and were able to actually print that on your first try!
It’s an insightful point that you bring up – for any organ transplant to be successful, someone else had to die. Granted, it could have a car accident or just old age – but you’re right, organs used to have a very exclusive ‘supplier’ – the human body. With the advent of 3D printing, I’m curious and excited to see what sort of biomechanics/organs we can print to extend and save lives!