‘3D printing will change the world’

Anyone wanting something small, perfectly formed and all in one piece can get it made at Ireland’s first commercial 3-dimensional printing centre.

U3D at University College Dublin is now open for business — not just with specialist manufacturers, but with anyone with a design idea.

A 3D model can be made up in metal, plastic or paper using a process where layers of material are laid down by a computer and cut with a laser.

Yesterday, U3D hosted a 3D Printing Expo with demonstrations, lectures and training sessions.

There were free 3D printed mini-selfies for the first 50 attendees and door prizes that included a 3Doodler pen and 3D printing vouchers.

The college has over €500,000 worth of the latest commercial grade equipment, including the MLAB metal printer that can produce jewellery, mechanical devices and discontinued spare parts.

Biomedical engineer, Peter Knief, said the metal printer could be used to make made-to-measure stainless steel medical implants.

“You can reduce the necessity for glue or cement so there is a better fit and longer-term stability,” Mr Knief explained.

His dream for the future is to have implants with sensors embedded in them so doctors could estimate the healing process.

U3D manager, Dr Jonathan Byrne, said the service was for anyone who had a digital model of their work and wanted it made up. Dr Byrne said they also offered a service where people could discuss an idea with a design consultant who could make up the model for them.

Those looking for specific items to be made up can also use the service.

Prices depend on the amount of material and the printer used.

For a 5cm cubed model, the price would be €30 to €40 for the lower cost printers, but for the more detailed printers it would be between €200 and €300. The price of a metal print would be around €450 to €500.

“The technology has been around for about 30 years but patents are expiring; better machines are being made available to the public and the quality is improving dramatically,” said Dr Byrne.

U3D founder, Prof Debra Laefer who has a dual background in geo-technical and structural engineering, in addition to her education in art history, said classes on 3D printing would be held throughout the year for both children and adults.

“I love 3D printing — it’s cool and it is going to change the world and I want to be part of that,” said Prof Laefer.