MakerBot Replicator 2

1. MakerBot Replicator 2 Replicator on MakerBot Site MakerBot Home page MakerBot Review • We received two 3-d printers as a gift from SUNY New Paltz’s Digital Imaging and Fabrication Initiative www.newpaltz.edu/ddf/glance.html • The Makerbot Replicator 2 is made by MakerBot, a subsidiary of Stratasys, and mostly used for design and engineering rapid visualization and prototyping, as well as printing of usable objects. • The MakerBot Replicator 2 uses Polylactic Acid, which is bio-plastic derived from corn and is biodegradable. It is available in several textures, and colors. http://store.makerbot.com/filament • NPHS students will be able to design and print engineering parts, original product designs, novelty items, toys, jewelry designs, figurines, fashion designs, sculptural designs, custom phone cases, and more.

2. 3d printing technology has been around since the 1980’s. The invention of 3d printing is credited to Chuck Hull of 3D Systems. Additionally, MIT has pioneered innovation in this field. • 3d printing is currently being used in large and small scale applications in all fields of: engineering, robotics, architecture, industrial design, product design, fashion design, space exploration, aeronautics, transportation design, culinary applications. 3D printing is also being used in medical and scientific innovation such as; prosthetics, and printing with living tissue to create skin and other organs. • A 3d print require closed three dimensional models. Three dimensional models can be created in 3d modeling programs such as Rhino or Blender, Inventor, Solid Works, or even Google Sketch-Up. There are many free user friendly 3d modeling programs such as http://www.123dapp.com/design and http://pixologic.com/sculptris/ • Three-dimensional models are exported as STL (STereoLithography) files. For the MakerBot, STL files are sent through their proprietary software where settings are chosen for structural details, layer slicing, and support material. • 3d Printing is an additive manufacturing process, that extrudes material in layers. Geometry is not limited by traditional production and manufacturing processes due to dissolvable, or removable support material. • There are also thousands of 3d models available for download online at sites like www.Thingiverse.com. Additionally, companies are producing and selling goods printed in a variety of materials where such as http://www.shapeways.com/ and http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com/. • Great video about 3d Printing: PBS OFF BOOK. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5AZzOw7FwA