Event Spotlight: 3D Printed Pinewood Derby
These questions were answered by Trevor Dunn, President of the 3D Print Club at SUNY Poly! The purpose of this article is to inform students of an exciting event that the 3D Print Club has planned. This event is open to all students, regardless of whether you are a member of the club or not. If you are interested in learning more about this event, or learning more about 3D Print Club, feel free to email Trevor at dunnta@sunypoly.edu.
1.) What encouraged you to start 3D Print Club up again here at SUNY Poly?
I decided to revive the 3D Print Club at SUNY Poly because I love the science and mechanics behind additive manufacturing, and I wanted to create a place on campus where people could come to learn and talk about 3D printing. Also running a club has been a fun learning experience for me and I've met and gotten to know a lot more about students and staff around campus.
2.) Can you give us a summary of how 3D printing works?
The easiest way to describe 3D printing is to think of a programmable robotic glue gun. Plastic is fed into the machine which is then heated up and extruded out a small nozzle which is then moved around creating a thin layer of plastic. Once this plastic is cooled the printer then prints on top of the plastic it printed previously. This is repeated over and over eventually constructing the 3D model it was programmed to make.
3.) What is the favorite thing that you have 3D printed?
The best thing I’ve printed so far must be a fully 3D printer speaker designed by Polymate3D. Everything within the speaker was completely 3D printed with materials that can be found in the lab besides a few magnets, screws, and wires that were required.
4.) How can students go about submitting designs to be 3D printed?
Students can submit their designs either by emailing the 3D print lab at cgam_3dprinting@sunypoly.edu, or they can come into the additive manufacturing lab (G160) during open lab hours and talk to the staff about their design.
5.) Are there any limitations on things that cannot be 3D printed at SUNY Poly?
While the print lab is available to all students for free, there are some limitations to the additive manufacturing lab.
Printing any sort of firearms, weapon, or anything intended to cause harm is strictly prohibited.
Any model or design that is unreasonably excessive in either time, material, or cost is dismissed.
Lab coordinators have the final say in whether a part is considered reasonable.
6.) Can you tell us a little more about the 3D printed pinewood derby event you have planned?
The 3D Printed Pinewood Derby is a design competition where students are tasked with designing and printing their cars to compete against other students to make the fastest car. Cars will compete against each other head-to-head in a bracket-style competition with the fastest car being the winner.
7.) How can students sign up for the 3D printed pinewood derby?
Students can sign up for the printed pinewood event through Engage. All the information for the event can be found there as well as the rules, sign-up sheet, prizes, and a sample car model.
8.) What would you say to somebody who is interested in 3D printing, but isn't sure if they want to commit to joining a club?
You don’t have to join the club to start 3D printing. The additive manufacturing lab is open to all students. However, if you’re interested in learning, or if you have no experience in 3D printing, then the 3D Print Club is a great place to start. Over the semester, we cover the basics of how to model, slice, and print your designs from start to finish.
Image obtained from Squarespace
