UCD has announced a new initiative to offer 3D printing technology to anyone with an idea for a design.
3D printing allows you to make any three-dimensional object from a 3D model through a process in which layers of material are laid down under computer control.
U3D is Ireland’s first full-service, commercial-level, 3D printing facility which can print in stainless steel, bronze, silver and glow-in-the-dark amongst others.
This Wednesday, the college will host a 3D Printing Expo with demonstrations, lectures, and training sessions on the technology.
The college has over €500,000 worth of equipment and the initiative is aimed at not just specialist manufactures but anyone who has an idea for a design.
Centre manager Jonathan Byrne said the new service is open to anyone.
He said: “This service is for anyone who has a digital model of their work, whether they are architects, artists or engineers.
“If they have created a model using autoCAD, sketchup or even animation software then we can print it. We also offer a service where they can discuss an idea with a design consultant and they can make up the model for them.
Users create their design with an STL file, and from this any three-dimensional product can be created.
He said: “The process starts with an STL file which is basically a mesh - nearly all computer aided design, or CAD, programs can export an STL file.
“3D printing works by adding 2D layers on top of each other to build up the final product. We import the mesh into software which slices the models into these layers and then sends each layer to the printer.
“Even though the different printers work in completely different ways it doesn't matter, the same STL file can be used to print on all of them.”
