How to Build a 3D Printer

ICTP and the Commune of Trieste recently collaborated to hold a workshop for the public on how to build a 3D printer. After four weeks of hands-on lessons, participants--coming from Trieste, Monfalcone, Udine and Slovenia--left the workshop with fully assembled 3D printers and the knowledge to use them.

Trieste Deputy Mayor Dr. Fabiana Martini opened and closed the workshop, which was held at ICTP's Scientific Fabrication Laboratory (SciFabLab). The participants had different professional backgrounds and different ages , including a 12-year-old boy who assembled a 3D printer with his parents. He and the other participants received detailed instruction by SciFabLab member Daniele Luca on all hardware components, as well as a brief introduction to 3D modeling software needed to print objects. The printer kits to be assembled were purchased directly by the participants.

The workshop is part of an ongoing collaboration between ICTP and the Commune of Trieste, and it follows the SciFabLab's aims to play a significant role as a hub supporting creative work benefitting society.

The SciFabLab's next main activity will be an international conference on "Fablab and Makerspaces for Science" (smr2763), to be held from 5 to 7 October 2015 at ICTP. During the event, some creative and cost effective examples of work carried out with flexible computer-controlled manufacturing tools like 3D printers will be discussed, focussing on current and possible application to the field of scientific research and education, specially in the challenging environment of developing countries.

For more information about ICTP's SciFabLab, visit its website.