3D printing is a technology that we will only continue to see an expansion of uses for. Starting out several decades ago as a means for rapid prototyping, the technology has suddenly become available to just about anyone. We are no longer inhibited by large price tags and huge machines, which only the world’s largest corporations previously had access too. Now, just about anyone can gain access to the technology, either through services such as Shapeways, Sculpteo, and 3DHubs, or by purchasing their own desktop 3D printers themselves. Even libraries, universities and an ever growing list of high schools are beginning to provide access to these machines to the general public.
One of these universities is UC Berkeley, and recently on April 4th and 5th, they held their first ever 3D Printing Designathon, asking students to design and 3D print a prototype to improve the life of UC Berkeley students. Held at the school’s Sutardja Dai Hall, the event was hosted by several design oriented organizations at the university, including the 3D Modeling Club, Design Engineering Collaborative, and Design Council.
