#BRESA Tech Talk

Congratulations! At this point you have joined the realm of 3D printing and are trying to get started with your machine.  Welcome to the experiment phase! When getting started with your machine, be prepared to have more failures than successes when you begin.  Think of it like learning how to ride a bike.  You have the machine, in theory it should function, but it is a fine-tuned piece of equipment that you will learn tricks to operating.  While learning the tendencies of your printer you will have many prints that will not work out correctly.  Ask anyone who has been printing for a while and they will have many stories of epic fails, and likely will have a few examples of failed prints around for you to see. My goal with this post is to share with you a couple of tricks and tips that I have learned the hard way so that you may hopefully learn from my mistakes and save yourself some filament. Tip #1: Start by printing lots of flat or box shaped items. h...

By now, it is likely that you have seen or heard of the concept of 3D printing.  The easiest way to think of it is taking a 3D model off of the computer and turning it into a real life product.  3D printing is an additive manufacturing process so there is very little waste when you make objects. When you decide to get started yourself, it can be VERY overwhelming trying to figure out which 3D printer to buy and how to even begin.  In this series of blog posts, I intend to share some first hand tips on how to make that process easier and help you avoid some mistakes that I have made. Finding a Printer S eeMeCNC Rostock MAX v2 Congratulations, you have examined your educational goals and figured out that a 3D printer would be a good fit for you and your students!  Expect that you will need to have a budget of approx. $700 to $1000 to get started.  That would include the cost of the machine, and a spool of filament. Here at the RESA we have a RoStock MA...

In 2005, Dale Dougherty, through Maker Media, launched Make Magazine.  This has proven to be a catalyst for what is now known as the Maker Movement.  In 2006, to celebrate what was being created from the magazine and in the world at large, Maker Faire was born.  The first faire was held in the San Francisco Bay Area and attracted over 20,000 attendees.   In 2015, more than 1.2 million people will have attended over 150 events all over the globe.  Locally, we are proud that our own event - the Southwest Michigan Mini Maker Faire contributed over 1,200 attendees!  But what I am most happy to say is that the art of making and creating is alive in classrooms all over our area and spreading. The folks at Maker Media have been busy again lately, providing several excellent opportunities to help your classroom, school, and community.  One of the first places to start is Maker Ed .  This site provides a powerful resource library and a ‘playbook’...

On Saturday, May 30 please consider sharing your talents and ideas.  Our inaugural Maker's Faire depends on all of you!  We know Southwest Michigan is full of amazing individuals. The Southwest Michigan Makers Faire will provide our community with the venue to share your talents and passions.  Do you have a classroom full of creators?  Come share with us.  Do you tinker in the garage? Come share with us.  Do you make on a professional basis?  Come share with us! Our form is live and awaiting your ideas.  Just click on the 'Makers Apply Here' button at the top of our site.