Learn By Doing: Shamrocks from the Taz 5 3D Printer

3D printing has always been one of those things that people hear about and are interested in, but have no idea how to go about doing it. Many people come into Do Space every day asking our team, “I want to 3D print something. How do I do that?” Four months ago I would have been one of those people. But today, I can safely say I’ve successfully 3D printed items! And to be quite honest, it was super easy!

This Saturday, on March 17 is St. Patrick’s day! To celebrate, Do Space is hosting a Demo Day: 3D Lab Shamrocks. Myself and another Learning Specialist will be hanging out in the 3D lab from 1PM to 3PM to show people how they can use our equipment to create their own St. Paddy’s day decor or accessories. But before I can show you, I must learn how to do!

The biggest and probably the most difficult step, in my opinion, is finding the design you want to print. Most, if not all, 3D printer only use design files in STL format. People often think that you need to create your own design. One can do that but it can take a lot of time and know-how. We tell beginners to use thingiverse.com website. If you already have something in mind you’d like to print, then it is a wonderful place to start. For me, I needed a shamrock. And thingiverse.com delivered! I found several shamrock STL design files that were free and easy to download.

Next step setting up and using the 3D printer. The best way to practice this is to sign up for a 3D Printing Basics class that Do Space holds every month. Another great way is to ask our 3D Gurus who are in the 3D lab usually on Saturday afternoons. For those of you who may not have used the Taz 5 in a while, there is a handy reference binder to look through beforehand.

Then your just a click print away! For this Saturday, I printed a shamrock with a Celtic design and one a bit more traditional. We will also have items created with our laser cutter, our CriCut, and our newest addition, the Carvey. Come check out all the things you can create at our Demo Day: 3D Lab Shamrocks from 1PM to 3PM on Saturday, March 17!