For my real world experience, I went to the iMakr store in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. They were hosting a Maker Meetup, events held by 3d printing salons like that one. They do these meetups so that makers and like minded individuals can learn about and discuss 3d printing in an environment tailored to their interests. When I went, there were only three people with myself included. One of the other attendees was a 3d designer from Columbia who came to the States to learn more about 3d printing and design, the other attendee was Adam, who is also in this 3d printing class. Before the event itself actually started we were free to roam around the sotre and look at the various prints they had on display. The most notable of these was a replica of Star Lord’s helmet from the movie Guardians of the Galaxy.

When the presentation itself started, we took our seats and a man named Yusef began to speak about the software and the design process. A lot of it we had already covered in this class, so it was more of a refresher than anything else for the most part. However, there were some things that were covered that I was not previously aware of.

First, I did not know that it was possible to create your own supports for designs that required them. I was under the belief that it would always be created for you.

Second, I learned about the vast time difference of the powder based printing method (it’s a great task to complete).

Lastly, I learned that the flexible material that is used for 3d printing is sturdy enough to be used in the making of a shoe (they had a design of a usable high heel; see below image).

The event informed me more about things (such as flexible printing plastic) that we did not have time to extensively cover in class, and as such was a beneficial learning experience.

Yusef’s “Unofficial Card”