This episode features Vinisha and Shannen inquiring about 3D printing and its biodegradable and environmental impact. The special interviewee, Steve Hrubes who is the makerspace coordinator and librarian at the Monroe Township Library. 3D printing takes digital objects and makes it physical using 3D modeling software. The 3D modeling solution ranges from easy to use to way more complicated. A fused deposition model uses a spool of plastic which is fed through a tube into a motor. At the end of the motor is a brass nozzle which heats up the plastic to 250 degrees Celsius. There are still some unresolved problems to 3D printing including recycling issues, design inaccuracies, and copyright issues. Check out the Monroe Township Library to see Steve and the maker space lab.

Monroe Township Library Website: https://www.monroetwplibrary.org/studio/

Watch the amazing videos below!

3D Printed Chocolate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKQlys-z7SM https://youtu.be/MKQlys-z7SM

3D Printed Buildings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQ5Elbvvr1M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWBA-6NgIJg

3D Printed Car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUvCmGrumPA

3D Printing Aircraft Parts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGGLSN6CTwI

3D Printing Rocket Fuel Tank: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dvl_FlZFJHQ

3D Printing Ear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RgI_bcETkM

Medicine- related 3D printing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZetfIMpvWA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ieQrfRzbEI

3D Printed Pancakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3Q8nbtRNT0

Time Stamps:

2:33 - What is 3D printing? 3:05 - What are the steps to 3D printing? 9:53 - Uses of 3D printing in businesses/ industries 21:12 - Recycling problems 24:04 - Design Inaccuracies 29:49 - Copyright issues 33:02 - Materials that can’t be used 34:30 - 3D printing sustainability