Makerspace Technology Enhancement Project

The purpose of the project is to expand the existing Makerspace 3D printing service provided by the Preston Smith Library. We have had great success with our entry level Makerbot Replicator 5th Generation Printer. By working one on one with the faculty, staff, and students, we have produced 3D models of aneurysms, retinal, cells, bio-macromolecules, prosthetic hands and other personal research. By generating 3D models using data from CT scans, protein data bank .pdb files, standard photographs, Adobe Illustrator files, and personal designs, we were able to connect the TTUHSC community with the wide range possibilities offered by 3D printing. As we, and our clients, have progressed in our understanding and knowledge of the 3D printing process, the library is looking to move to a 3D printer with exceptional build quality and precision that can produce high quality prints reliably. Specifically, a printer that employs stereolithographic SLA printing. SLA printing creates 3D objects from a liquid photopolymer resin. This type of printer produces highly accurate parts with smooth surface finishes which are ideal for the highly-detailed anatomy of the human body as well as finely articulated medical tools, devices, and implants.