By Reyne Harrington 

Are you looking for the perfect personalized item but trying to stick to your student budget? Check out the MacEwan Makerspace! 

With campus shut down due to Covid restrictions, going in person to the Makerspace is not currently an option. However, it IS an option to print something remotely, and it's also free! I found an adorable design for a sturdy bookmark on Thingiverse, a free and easy-to-search database of user submitted 3D models, but more tech-savvy students can make their own designs using programs such as Tinkercad. 

The next step is to slice it using 3DPrinterOS. ‘Slicing’ creates the instructions that direct the 3D printer on exactly how to go about manifesting the design into physical reality. This allows you to adjust things like speed, density, temperature, the size of the object, and whether or not to use supports for pieces that stick out at a sharper angle. You can then send the file to one of MacEwan’s Ultimaker 3D printers, and even watch it in action through the streaming video feed! 

During my experience with remote 3D printing, all of my questions, including the overwhelmingly broad “So…what do I do now?” was answered promptly and courteously by the Makerspace Tech Tutors via email. I was notified upon the completion of my print and was able to pick it up at the library the next day. Something called a ‘brim’ needed to be removed, which is just a thin bit of extra material around the edges that helps with stability during the print, and it snapped off easily without any issues. I think it turned out great! 

For more information on 3D printing, you can check out the Makerspace Website, or email makerspace@macewan.ca with direct inquiries and requests. Stay safe and happy printing! 
 

Reyne Harrington (she/her) is in her first year of the Library and Information Technology program at MacEwan University, and works in the Makerspace as a Tech Tutor. She is a mature student with a young family, and an avid gamer.