3D printing lab gets major upgrades, new name

In this story:

• CMU's 3D printing lab has a upgraded its equipment and its name thanks to funding from the Go Grants Initiative.
• The new printers are faster, more efficient and more cost-friendly than the center's previous printers.
• Faculty, staff and students can submit their designs for creation through an online form.

A decade ago, Central Michigan University launched the Midwest’s first public university 3D printing lab with its MakerBot Innovation Center.

"Over time, it became clear that the space needed some refreshing, and technology has also improved since we got those printers," said Scott de Brestian, chairperson and associate professor of art history.

Now, thanks to funding from the Go Grants initiative, CMU’s newly re-named Art and Design 3D Printing Technology Center, or AD3PT Center for short, has evolved with some exciting new enhancements.

Among the upgrades are 15 state-of-the-art Bambu Lab X1E 3D printers, which allow for faster and more efficient printing, as well as the ability to capture time-lapse photos and videos to document the creation of each print.

"In terms of speed and quality, they are vastly more capable than the previous generation of printers," de Brestian said. "It’s great for rapid prototyping. And something that has potential to expose students to ideas and worlds that they would not otherwise be able to engage with other than on a screen.”

Located inside Wightman Hall, the AD3PT Center is a collaboration between the College of the Arts and Media and the Department of Art and Design, and is available for use by any current student, faculty member or staff member.

As a bonus to having an arsenal of new 3D printers, clients will see a more cost-friendly pricing structure.

"We’re substantially reducing our prices because the Bambu printer filament is cheaper than what we were using," de Brestain said.

Using the AD3PT Center is easier than ever. After a client submits their design file through the online AD3PT Print Request form, they’ll receive an estimated printing cost based on the amount of filament used. Once approved, the item goes to print, and the client will receive an email notification when it’s ready for pickup.

A brief grand opening ceremony for the AD3PT Center will be held at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, October 17 in Wightman Hall.

Go Grants in Action is a year-long series that shares the stories of how CMU students, faculty and staff are making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve through the Go Grants initiative.