3D printing

Step 1: Get a model

To create a model you can scan using laser an actual object - like an awesome scientist!

You can also explore many free shareable models on many websites like thingiverse.

Step 2: Make a model speak! (to a printer)

During this conversion you take a 3D model and turn it into a path that the nozzle of a 3D printer will follow as it builds your creation. For our sculpture we are slicing up our model into smaller parts so that many people can print each one.

Step 3: Start printing

There are many different types of printers out there that can print in different types of material from metal to tissue. The most common ones that we see in classrooms and homes print in a corn based plastic called PLA.

A primer on 3D printing2012 may be the year of 3D printing, when this three-decade-old technology finally becomes accessible and even commonplace. Lisa Harouni gives a useful introduction to this fascinating way of making things -- including intricate objects once impossible to create.