Three days of 3D

Posted 8/21/12

CALLICOON, NY — Can you imagine: 3D printing in Sullivan County? That is what North School Studio envisions, and they brought that vision to life with a 3D printing lab workshop this past weekend …

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Three days of 3D

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CALLICOON, NY — Can you imagine: 3D printing in Sullivan County? That is what North School Studio envisions, and they brought that vision to life with a 3D printing lab workshop this past weekend in Callicoon.

Isaac Green Diebboll and Michael Carpenter organized the workshop and brought in Thread Global from Brooklyn to give talks about what they do, how 3D printing works, and what we can do with this technology, among other topics of discussion.

The workshop began with an introduction to 3D printing by Thread Global team members at Callicoon Trading. Stations were set up around the room with the themes “scanning,” “design” and “printers and materials.” Two 3D printers were in action, and objects made by 3D printers were on display, such as a shoe. Zachary Bromberg was on hand to scan people and upload the scans to a computer to create 3D versions of them, which could be printed out. Nate Kolbeck, founder and chief executive officer of Thread Global, talked about how to create a design to be 3D printed: design it using a program such as CAD, scan an object, or Google it.

After the presentations, the attendees talked about themselves. There were many community members, as well as some people from New York City. Legislator Cora Edwards was there and gave a talk about putting small business in Sullivan County at the forefront of the economic plan. Then, led by Thomas Bosket of North School Studio, brainstorming groups were formed under the themes of “industry,” “sustainability” and “dreams.” People gathered to talk about ways that 3D printing can be useful to our community.

The next day, Saturday, the workshop moved over to the 1908 Schoolhouse in Callicoon. Unfortunately, the snow prevented a panel of community leaders and 3D Systems Director of Social Impact Leanne Gluck from attending. But the workshop continued with more talks from the representatives of Thread Global. It then moved into another brainstorming session. Taped on the walls were notes from the three brainstorming groups of the previous night, and a representative from each group spoke about the ideas that were generated. Bosket asked the attendees which ideas they should pursue that weekend with Thread Global. A few were suggested and then voted on: winners were creating parts using a 3D printer, and mapping the plans for a community “maker space,” that is, a community-operated workspace where people can gather to create, collaborate and beyond using technology, specifically 3D printers. Two groups were then formed, and the creating parts group came up with ideas such as customized spikes for shoes in the icy winter conditions, and a wind turbine for renewable energy. The maker space group created a pyramid of steps to take, from identifying community needs, to deciding who would run the maker space, to funding.

Throughout the weekend, there was creativity, big dreams and a healthy dose of skepticism. It was conversation that veered into the distant future, or maybe not. Maybe, it’s just within reach.

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