3D Printer for Home, Education and Rapid Prototyping

3D Printing for Physics: Small Prints, Large Impact

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” structure is actually five stories tall and seven stories wide. However, it is very dense – every nook and cranny has electronics in it!” [Read more…]

3D Printing Beginner Wows With Iron Man MK 42 Prototype

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.

Afinia 3D printed MK 42 Prototype by James Christianson
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.” [Read more…]

Afinia 3D and Makers Empire Partner to Serve North American Schools

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. [Read more…]

3D Printing for Out of This World Designs, and Daily Fixes

Stuart Ferguson is the Head of Technology at The Foundry, a global developer of software for use in the design, visualization, and entertainment industries. Ferguson has been creating 3D graphics for 30 years, and recently began 3D printing with the Afinia H479 3D Printer.

A 3D Printing Pioneer

“I’ve been creating 3D graphics since shortly after the first Star Wars movie, but when I became interested in 3D printing I had no idea what to do. After reading MAKE Magazine’s 3D printer reviews, it was clear that Afinia was high quality, and would be easy to use, even for someone who [Read more…]

Students Study Up and Choose Afinia for 3D Printing

John Richardson and Claire Luikart are the IT Implementation Director and Special Projects Manager (respectively) at St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge, LA. Both influenced the school’s decision on which 3D printers are more beneficial for students’ learning and engagement.

Doing Their Research

St. Joseph's Academy shows off their spirit with their school's 3D printed crest.
St. Joseph’s Academy shows off their spirit with their school’s 3D printed crest.

“We got our first Afinia H479 3D printer in 2011, because it was our students’ top choice. They researched 3D printers, and in the process, improved their technical understanding and communication skills,” explains Richardson. Luikart adds, “We’re glad they recommended it! We’ve been very happy with the Afinia, since the beginning. We’ve also acquired the newer H480 with grant funds. They’re awesome – and students love the [Read more…]