Upgraded 3D printing lab opens at CMU
The 3D Printing Lab has seen numerous updates over the last year to bring modern printing technology to Central Michigan University.
The AD3PT, or Art and Design 3D Printing Technology Center, is located in Wightman Hall on campus.
The lab, which reopened on Oct. 17, is now available for all students, faculty and staff to use.
"The price depends on the weight of the item. Using regular filament, it is $0.10 per gram; specialty filaments are $0.15 per gram," Scott De Brestian, Chairperson of the Art and Design Department, said.
The center, while open to anyone, is also being utilized for numerous classes on campus.
"Our course ART 202 Introduction to Digital Fabrication uses 3D printing technology. It is used on a case-by-case basis by other classes in art," De Brestian said.
The center was paid for by the Go-Grant fund. Go Grants are President Neil MacKinnon's initiative that provides funding for students, faculty and staff members for projects that improve the campus.
The total grant amount was $44,924, which allowed for new printers to be purchased and updates to be made.
"The printers we had were reaching the end of their useful lives, and the newer printers would be of higher quality and more capable than the ones we used to have," De Brestian said.
Students who want to use the technology can submit their projects to The AD3PT Center's website.
