3D Printers and Printing

NASA recently announced its new Future Engineers challenge, The Think Outside the Box Challenge, for students grades K-12. The challenge celebrates the launch of BEAM, which is the International Space Station’s first expandable habitat. It also celebrates the launch of the first 3D printer in space. The Think Outside the Box Challenge encourages students to design an object that can be 3D printed within a 14cm x 10cm x 10 cm build area, and expand in some way (assembles, telescopes, hinges, etc.) to become larger than those dimensions. The challenge is open until August 1, 2016, with semifinalists announced on September 8. More information can be found here. [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…]

Brian Miles is the Computer Technology Teacher & Technology Integrator at Middleton Cross Plains Area School District. He’s passionate about finding new ways to use technology for learning and exploring. Getting Inspired by 3D Printing Miles talks with his students about the H800 and 3D printing technology. The first time Brian Miles used a 3D printer was a couple of years ago, when his school’s industrial tech class got a 3D printer for their curriculum. “They were doing 3D drawing, imaging, and drafting, so they acquired a 3D printer, and let students try it,” explains Miles. “After that experience, I wanted to get another 3D printer for the school, because [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…]

Trevor Phillips is a media producer, and owner of Trevics Media, based in Seattle, WA. In the past, he’s worked for well-known TV series, including NCIS, CSI, and Dexter. If you’ve seen the popular television series NCIS or CSI, chances are you’ve seen some of Trevor Phillips’ work. Phillips is a media producer/playback artist who recently left Las Angeles to settle down in Seattle and start Trevics Media, a company offering video production, media, and animation services. “My job in LA was to create playback graphics,” explains Phillips. “For example, in NCIS when the cast enters Abby’s lab and works on the computer, the DNA scans and other computer images [Read more…]

Matt Trani is the co-owner of Vertical Vision, an unmanned aerial systems company that goes above and beyond the normal scope of hobbyist remote controlled and/or unmanned vehicles. Putting it all Together, With the Help of 3D The Scout is made up mainly of 3D printed parters, as well as a circuit board and carbon fiber tubes. “I didn’t have any 3D printing experience before I started my company,” admits Trani. “Actually, being introduced to 3D printing was a large part of what allowed me to start the company. I have an office at Saint Louis University, where I had the opportunity to engage with SLU students who showed me [Read more…]

The Afinia H800 has received its first user rating on the Afinia 3D store site, earning 5 of 5 stars: “This is an amazing printer. I had the h480 printer for years and loved it, but it was to small for some of my projects. This printer is even easier to set up and works perfectly every time. The large print volume is great and the enclosed print area keeps the parts from warping. I wish the software would let you adjust the temps to make it easier to use other brands and types of material, but I’m sure I can find a work around for that. I highly recommend [Read more…]

Travis Lape is the technology integrationist at Harrisburg South Middle School. Lape strongly advocates using new technology to enhance and engage students in learning. His goal is to create learning experiences that empower and equip students with necessary skills to effectively produce and consume content across multiple media platforms. Using Tech to the Fullest As the Technology Integrationist at Harrisburg South Middle School (HSMS), Lape works mainly with teachers to integrate technology into the classroom. “I team up with teachers to collaborate on lesson plans, ensuring technology is being used in a way that provides teachers and students its maximum benefits. I also brainstormed with the media specialist to create [Read more…]

Jeffry Abel is an Engineering and ECAD instructor at Century College in White Bear Lake, MN. Abel has many years of 3D printing experience under his belt, and teaches both introductory, advanced students, and community members the art of 3D design, 3D printing, and making, through courses such as “How to Make Almost Anything.” The Introduction to 3D Printing, and the Afinia 3D Printer Abel’s class printed a test block to check the accuracy of dimensions of the printer. As an Engineering and ECAD instructor, Jeff Abel is a 3D printing expert. “I began using 3D printers in 2004, to do prototyping for medical industry projects,” explains Abel. “When I [Read more…]

James Wetzel, Ph.D. is a research scientist at the University of Iowa. Recently, Wetzel has undertaken a project to 3D print 100 1:120-scale models of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector to help people understand the experiment. Working With – and Discovering – the Unknown On a regular basis, James Wetzel works with materials and concepts that a large number of people have never heard of. Currently, Wetzel is collaborating on the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment, which investigates (and helps discover) new or hypothesized physics particles, such as the Higgs boson and particles that make up dark matter. Wetzel explains, “Many people are surprised to learn that this “compact” [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…]

We are proud to announce that we’ve received the RAPID 2015 Exhibitor Innovation Award for our H800 3D printer. Pre-orders for the H800 begin shipping in June, with new orders shipping in July. The large build size, HEPA filtration system, and unbeatable Afinia support make this a highly sought-after 3D printer. “RAPID would like to congratulate Afinia 3D on winning the RAPID 2015 Exhibitor Innovation Award for their Afinia H800 3D Printer. The RAPID Exhibitor Innovation Award recognizes the most innovative new products or services exhibited at RAPID that are judged to have the greatest potential impact on the industry,” said Maria Conrado, Event Manager. Afinia 3D was selected as [Read more…]