3D Printers and Printing

Porcelain Rabbit Restoration Shining 3D, the manufacturer of the EinScan-Pro Handheld Scanner and the ES360 Desktop 3D Scanner, is on a mission to capture the world’s museum treasures as 3D scans. They have asked their current EinScan-Pro customers, as well as 3D scanning experts, artists, and museum personnel, to submit 3D scans either by email (info@shining3d.com) or via Sketchfab (tag #EinScan-Pro or #SWART). Shining 3D will be granting awards to their favorite submissions. Don’t have a scanner? Shining 3D will loan a limited number of their scanners to qualifying individuals. To apply, send your name, organization name, position, email, and scanning project details to info@shining3d.com. For examples of projects, and [Read more…]

We are excited to add another option to our H-Series of 3D Printers! The new Afinia H400 is a culmination of affordability, reliability, and simplicity, making it a perfect option for anyone wanting an easy, out-of-the-box 3D printing experience. About the H400 3D Printer With a 4.7” cubed print area, the new printer fits unobtrusively on any desktop, and is extremely portable. The H400 includes new and improved features, such as wireless connectivity and touch screen control, for more simplified and convenient printing, even from an iPad. Another key feature is power failure protection, which allows the printer to resume printing from where it stopped due to a power failure. [Read more…]

Project-based Learning STEM Kits that incorporate 3D printing are an excellent way for educators to introduce 3D printing to their students. They foster important skills that involve problem solving, creativity, and critical thinking. To better serve our education customers, we now offer 11 STEM 3D kits through our online store and our education reseller* network nationwide. Each kit includes hardware, a Student Workbook, and CAD templates. These STEM kits can be purchased in several quantities. Multiple quantity packs include the previous list of materials, along with one Teacher Workbook. Project-based Learning STEM kits available: Mini Boom Box Balance-Bot Warrior Night-Light Solar Powered Battery Charger (shown) Derby-Dash Crash Heart Rate Watch [Read more…]

This one goes out to all of those 3D printing enthusiasts that fuel their 3D printers with lots of filament, and their bodies with lots of coffee! Celebrate National Coffee Day by 3D printing something that facilitates your caffeine consumption—below are some of our favorite ideas. Keurig® K-Cup Dispenser and Organizer Are you crazy for Keurig? Keep your K-Cups® organized and at the ready with this dispenser by ch4s3r. Custom Sleeve Keep your coffee stylish and hot, without burning your hands. This custom coffee sleeve by sethmoser is here to help. Espresso Cup Rack Espresso enthusiasts can 3D print this espresso cup rack to save some cupboard space. Design by [Read more…]

Artists’ Stories of Success We’ve seen 3D printing enter the arena in many fields: education, medicine, and engineering, to name a few. But another important field in which 3D printing is becoming popular, and being used for incredible creations, is art. With this medium becoming accessible to more artists, the possibilities of what they can create is nearly endless. We had the privilege of speaking with five “Afiniacs”—individuals who are using their Afinia 3D printers to create masterful artwork—and we are excited to share their stories with you. Download our 4th volume eBook to read about the artists’ creations and experiences. Enjoy! Haven’t read our previous eBooks? Download them below [Read more…]

Maureen Borgeest is the Library Media Specialist and Debbie Kearney is the library assistant at Oliver W. Winch Middle School in South Glen Falls, NY. The middle school recently created a makerspace in the library, where they use the H800 3D printer. Making the Makerspace a Reality As the Library Media Specialist, Mrs. Borgeest is always looking for ways to improve students’ access to technology and information. Thanks to her, along with the approval and resources of district officials, Oliver W. Winch Middle School opened their makerspace in October 2015. “Makerspaces have been in existence in the library world for quite a few years, and I had read a lot [Read more…]

Philip Youngblood teaches the Intro to Engineering Design and Biomedical Science classes at Central High School in Keller, TX. He recently won the Afinia H480 3D printer after attending a PLTW conference. In the Nick of Time Youngblood says he was “plain lucky” to be the winner of the Afinia H480 3D printer. “I had a 3D printer at my last school. Then I began teaching at Central, which had a number of 3D printers… but they didn’t work well, and we sent them back. I was definitely excited, and thought it was great timing, when I found out I had won the Afinia H480 for my classroom a couple [Read more…]

Afiniac Eric Quakenbush, of Honolulu, Hawaii, is not new to the maker movement. You can tell from his website that he’s been an avid—and talented—creator for a while, with a background in graphic design. Recently, he shared his passion for making at the Barnes & Noble Mini Maker Faire in Honolulu. Keeping Kids Busy with Building “The activity that I had set up at the faire was aimed at younger kids,” says Quakenbush. “I had actually come up with the activity by accident, based on my experience at my last faire. I had brought a number of foam pieces from a failed robot project I was working on, and had [Read more…]

Possibilities Inspired by Playground Observation As 3D printing becomes more accessible to educators around the globe, students are experiencing opportunities they would have never previously imagined. Students at Target Range Middle School in Missoula, Montana are currently working on creating a prosthetic hand for Carter, a kindergartener in their school district. “I was on playground duty and noticed Carter. I’ve seen stories of people creating prosthetics for people and thought, ‘we have someone in our own school who could benefit from this’. I knew our Gifted and Talented students could use the Afinia 3D printer to create something for him,” said Ebelt, an instructor for the district. Ben C., one [Read more…]

Justin Stephens is one of the Global Product Managers at Intelitek, a company dedicated to transforming education across the globe through comprehensive technology learning solutions. “As a product manager for an educational company, I often get the opportunity to speak with teachers, and one subject that regularly arises is 3D printing,” explains Stephens. “Teachers who have previously been introduced to 3D printers, whether at trade shows or in other classrooms, typically recognize how powerful of a tool they can be to teach students prototyping, problem solving, and creativity.” Stephens says that these teachers usually are interested in learning about what Intelitek has to offer for 3D printers, and if they [Read more…]

Sean Huxter is an avid “Afiniac” who uses his H479 and H480 3D printers to create impressive toys and collector accessories, innovative household improvement pieces, and thoughtful gifts. When Quality 3D Prints Get Noticed Afiniac Sean Huxter admits that his Afinia 3D printers rarely get to rest. In his latest interview, Huxter described his most recent prints, and told us about his recent Maker Faire experience. Huxter printed a rack of Emmett’s planetary gears to give away. (Design from Thingiverse). “One day, I was in a well-known bookstore, and they had recently gotten a 3D printer there, since they are trying to enter more of the technology industry,” explains Huxter. [Read more…]

Sean Huxter is an avid “Afiniac” who uses his H479 and H480 3D printers to create impressive toys and collector accessories, innovative household improvement pieces, and thoughtful gifts. The 3D Printing Revolution One of Huxter’s first pictures of his H479, right out of the box. Huxter had always dreamed of purchasing a 3D printer. “I wanted a machine like this before I even knew it existed,” he laughs. “I’ve been dreaming about it since I was about 7 years old!” Huxter got his first 3D printer—the Afinia H479—in June of 2013. “I wanted a printer so much that I gathered a bunch of collector toys I had laying around and [Read more…]

CES is an exciting time of year for technology enthusiasts. What could be better than gathering thousands of technology-focused companies and hundreds of thousands of techie attendees to reveal the newest tech innovations from across the globe? At CES, we showed off our newest product, the ES360 Desktop 3D Scanner, as well as our recently revealed H800 3D printer and well-respected and reliable H480 3D printer. All of the equipment drew in attendees, and for different reasons: The ES360 3D scanner impressed people with its high quality, simplicity, and—of course—price tag The H480‘s openness was attracted attendees, who were also awed by the beautiful copper- and wood-infused filaments it was [Read more…]

Ben Mininberg is an artistic action figure designer, who 3D prints his own creations. He recently upgraded to using the H800 3D printer. Mininberg has been artistically inclined for as long as he can remember. “I’ve loved robot characters, and a had a zillion Transformers,” he explains. “I always had a creative hobby, whether it be making things, drawing, or being artistic in some other way. At one point, I started making lots of model kits, but later decided it was more fun to come up with my own characters. So now, I design almost all my own action figures, and print them in ABS plastic so they can have [Read more…]

As technology progresses, so must curricula. The educators featured in this eBook have incorporated 3D printing technology into their students’ learning. This provides them with knowledge and experiences that will motivate, intrigue, and benefit them in countless ways. Thanks to each educator for telling their inspiring story. We hope you enjoy the ideas and experiences they’ve shared with us. Download the Afinia 3D Printer-Inspired Educators: Stories of Success, Volume III. If you’d like to read more stories of success, download our first eBook or second eBook, as well. [Read more…]

Jeff Tucker is a former Marine who currently works as a government contractor. In his spare time, he enjoys 3D printing RC car bodies and accessories for sale through his company, Inventeo3D. Tucker has been a fan of the Afinia brand since 2013, when he got his first Afinia H479 3D printer. Here’s where you can read more about Tucker’s work with the H479 3D printer. “Hiring” the Best 3D Printer Tucker’s light-up 3D-printed Star Wars display stand base, printed on his new Afinia H800 3D printer. “Before I got the Afinia H800 3D printer, I had a couple of other large-build 3D printers. I sold them both because they [Read more…]

TechZone 360, a leading website dedicated to technology news, has recognized the H800 3D Printer as a recipient of the 2015 3D Printing Excellence Award. TechZone 360 is sponsored by TMC, a global integrated media company. TechZone360’s 3D Printing Excellence Awards identify those products, services, and applications that are driving the growth and evolution of 3D Printing. “Congratulations to Afinia 3D, winner of a 2015 3D Printing Excellency Awards,” said Rich Tehrani, TMC (News – Alert) CEO. “They are an innovator and leader within the 3D printing industry and are deserving of this recognition. We look forward to their future successes.” We received the TechZone360 3D Printing Excellence Award in [Read more…]

Dr. Jeanne Cairns Sinquefield has supported the Boy Scouts of America for over 25 years. She has acted as Den Mother, Chairperson, District Chairperson, and Council Board Member, and has received the Silver Beaver Award and the Americanism Award. She is currently a board member for the Great Rivers Council, and is the force behind the Sinquefield Invention Lab. Building a Better Future Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield is passionate about the future. Specifically, for creating opportunities for youth in the fields of music, art, and education. One of her recent ventures included bringing the Boy Scouts of American access to 3D printing. “My foundation agreed to build an invention lab at [Read more…]

James Christianson is a filmmaker, animator, and artist who is fascinated with the potential of 3D printing. Recently, he created an Iron Man MK 42 Prototype boot using the Afinia 3D printer, and some help from friends. The completed, painted Version 2 of Christianson’s MK 42 Prototype. Looking at Christianson’s 3D-printed Iron Man MK 42 boot prototype, you’d never guess that he’s new to 3D printing. “3D modeling and having a knack for designing sparked my interest in 3D printing,” explains Christianson. “When I bought the Afinia 3D printer in 2013, I decided to take on the challenge of creating a mechanized armor prototype as a challenging hobby.” Self-taught Skills [Read more…]

Afinia 3D and Australian 3D printing software company Makers Empire have partnered to sell Makers Empire products to the North American education market. Afinia 3D, a supplier of award-winning desktop 3D printers, will provide North American elementary and middle schools with Makers Empire’s 3D Printing Learning Program through its Education Resellers network. The Makers Empire 3D Printing Learning Program is comprised of easy-to-use 3D design software, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, a teacher’s portal, and online resources. John Westrum, Afinia 3D’s Vice President and Education Market Lead said, “We have a coast-to-coast presence in the US and Canadian educational markets and the Makers Empire 3D Printing Learning Program is an excellent addition [Read more…]

Patrick Logan is a professional engineer with 33 years experience in manufacturing products from Bicycles to Space Stations. He currently works with small and start-up companies as a consulting engineer, designing products for performance and manufacture. He uses the Afinia 3D Printer to provide clients with a 3D print of their part. His website can be found at www.kridleytech.com. With over 30 years of manufacturing products under his belt, Patrick Logan is no newcomer to functional 3D design, or even the concept of 3D printing. However, it was only recently that Patrick began 3D printing designs himself, with the help of the Afinia 3D printer. “Currently, I work with small [Read more…]