Illinois MakerLab
Learn. Make. Share.
What is 3D Printing and What Can I Do With It? 3D printing is a process of creating physical objects by layering materials in a successive (or additive) manner to construct a three-dimensional object. A typical 3D printed object is composed of hundreds of micro-layers (300 microns or less). 3D printing offers several advantages over traditional “subtractive” manufacturing techniques such as milling and lathing. It allows for complex designs, on-demand printing, and produces little, if any, waste material, and thus, entails lower inventory and material costs.
The technology can be used to make new artistic creations, build replacement parts, substitute for purchased items, and create new practical solutions.
A candy machine that takes quarters and spits out candy
Customizable iPhone cases
From atoms to bits and back. Scan physical objects, and print them out.
A Yoda pencil holder
The world’s first 3D printing lab based in a College of Business. The Illinois MakerLab puts the power of a new industrial revolution in the hands of Illinois students and faculty. The 3D printers are creating a new wave of “makers” and impacting product design and development by blurring the lines between the physical and the digital. The Illinois community is at the forefront of this movement, with the new MakerLab.
Tools and Equipment MakerBot Replicator2 A desktop 3D printer, with a resolution capability of 100 microns, and a build volume of 410 cubic inches. Optimized for PLA (a cornbased plastic). Prints directly from your computer or an SD card.
How Can I Get Started? LEARN
Come to the MakerLab and let our gurus introduce you to 3D printing or join us for one our instructional workshops.
Objects can be made by:
MAKE
Create objects using one of our 3D printers and 3D modeling software.
SHARE
Participate in our forums, share what you have made, lead workshops, attend monthly meet-ups, and help others become makers.
1. Downloading preexisting objects from thingiverse.com, a library of more than 80,000 objects 2. Scanning an existing object
PrintrBot An affordable desktop 3D printer, sold as a kit and assembled by users. Optimized for ABS (a petroleum-based plastic).
Kinect An X-Box accessory that has been modified to serve as a device that can scan 3D objects for printing.
Raspberry Pi A credit-card-sized computer that costs only $35 and allows users to experiment with digital making and engage with the “internet of things.�
3. Using 3D modeling software Whichever method you choose, objects can also be customized before printing. Your designs are constrained only by your imagination.
makerlab.illinois.edu Learn. Make. Share.
Aric Rindfleisch, Executive Director
Vishal Sachdev, Director
Our Mission The mission of the Illinois MakerLab is to provide University of Illinois faculty and students with the knowledge and resources to be at the forefront of the emerging Maker Movement through the establishment of the world’s first business school 3D printing lab.
makerlab.illinois.edu lllinoisMakerLab UIMakerLab UIMakerLab@illinois.edu