By Miguel Fernandez-Junco, Special to the Hub@TTU
A student built a 3D-printed heart at the Texas Tech University Libraries’ Makerspace.
A mind may wander far and explore depths of untapped imagination. Colors that yet exist, improbable structures or fantasy worlds swirl and require an outlet to come to life.
Modern technology has progressed to a point where those ideas no longer require years of craftsmanship or skills; instead, a few programs and equipment can have anyone creating their visions. That is the foundation that puts Texas Tech’s Makerspace among the most unique and appealing services that the university offers.
A program of the library, Makerspace helps develop ideas and bring them to life using 3D printing, 3D scanning, laser cutting, virtual reality and other services. On the second floor of the library in room 210, the services are primarily free to use for students, staff and faculty.
The Makerspace, established in 2017, took roughly a year for the project to go from concept to reality, Ryan Cassidy, the Makerspace librarian, said. The goal is to provoke creativity and innovation among students.
“We did a survey on the computers that would ask if you knew about Makerspace,” Cassidy said. “‘When you hear Makerspace, what do you think about?’ The number one response was 3D printing, virtual reality was on there, and a whole list of different things.”
From there, the Makerspace brought students’ visions to life.
Libraries once stood at the forefront of providing information and allowing access to technology people could not afford. Now, the Makerspace arms its staff with the expertise to teach and adopts emerging technologies to create a place that offers that same experience in the modern age.
Promoting creativity and innovation through 3D printing
The Makerspace’s 3D printer allows students to create and invent.
Makerspace provides an area for young inventors to explore their minds, promoting creativity and innovating as 3D printing grows and evolves. One of the fastest-growing industries, some experts acclaim 3D printing as a cornerstone of our future.
In recent years, the trade has become more widespread, Cassidy explained, as it’s expanded to include market-grade technology more accessible to consumers.
And in coming years, the 3D printing industry will lead the business sector with its ability to serve all industries, ranging from manufacturing, jewelry and architecture to automotive and medical.
Texas Tech senior Abed Taha, who is a student assistant worker for Makerspace, said that 3D printing has brought in numerous clients since its inception. So much so, the growth prompted the Makerspace to relocate to the bigger space on the library’s second floor after outgrowing its original home.
Building everything from armor for cosplays to prosthetic body parts, projects are limited only by the innovator’s patience as they can take between hours to days depending on the size, with multiple-piece projects needing gluing.
“We offer ABS and PLA materials,” Taha said. “We have three Poly Printers, a five-way and two 229’s. With the PLA, we have an Ultimaker that we can make a print with two colors; you can attach two filaments on it and print it.”
He noted that the printing services come with a nominal fee to cover material costs and maintenance for the printer, adding that the technology’s cost-efficiency allows for much use overseas.
Leading a sustainable future
While currently problematic, moving to more eco-friendly alternatives, such as 3D printing, could lead to a more sustainable future.
“Depending on the type of materials they use, (3D printing) could be a really good answer to some of the sustainability issues,” Cassidy said. “If they are able to get out a more sustainable model of concrete, that means these lots could have a lasting presence.”
The British International Investment states that 3D printing can build homes at quicker speeds, while reducing the carbon footprint by 70%, allowing for affordable prices.
One architecture firm is already looking to build a 3D-printed neighborhood in Austin, while international builder 14Trees has already built housing and entire school districts in Africa.
Cassidy notes this as an example of how 3D printing can help solve housing problems in the United States via a lower-cost alternative.
“It has the potential to leave a great impact,” Cassidy said. “The question becomes how are people going to try to cut corners? Will we look for more profitable rather than sustainable?”
However, the feasibility of Earth-based construction — the 3D printing of earth materials — presents challenges to the market-available systems, such as the demand for more adept technologies.
Additionally, Taha noted that to make the process more mainstream and adaptable to the broader consumer market, filaments would have to withhold the same pressure and force that concrete offers while maintaining the same structural integrity.
While still in the unknown, Cassidy said the future of technology, and the way it will have an impact, is in the hands of the next generation of great inventors and visionaries.
“It’s going to take a new cadre of disruptive entrepreneur,” Cassidy said. “Kids in college right now are going to be the ones to break that ground.”
And Texas Tech’s Makerspace is one of the places where they can do it.
“We’re here to help people get comfortable using them,” Cassidy said. “We offer workshops all across the semester, and we offer beginners level but do have intermediate and advanced as well.”
“Don’t let all these terms like virtual reality or 3D printing and everything else intimidate you,” he added. “Come into the Makerspace, we’re happy to show you how everything works and get you started with making something you want to see come to life.”
For more information on Makerspace, faculty support, and upcoming workshops, visit their website at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/library/make/index.php or contact them at make@ttu.edu.
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