This past Thursday, I was able to make my first print! I printed the JMU cube from the Ultimaker 3D printer. I was very excited to be able to print my very first 3D model. When I entered the 3D printing classroom, I felt overwhelmed. This area wasn’t my type of forte, so I did not entirely know where to start. However, throughout the class with the assistance of Professor Hooker, I was able to complete my first print. Although it felt overwhelming at first, it was a simple process of making a 3D print. All I had to do was just turn on the computer and printer, make some adjustments throughout the 3D modeling program, and then print the model. This was the first time I was able to look up close at a 3D printer, to see all the filaments align with each other. Although it does take quite a while, I found it very satisfying to see the steps and process o f how every line stacks on top of each other to create a 3D print. I was very satisfied of how it turned out. I love how it looks and I am now looking forward to my next print towards the future!

Not only was this my first time completing a 3D print, but it was also the first time that I had stepped into a 3D printing lab. Learning how to use the Ultimaker 3 printer inspired me and made me eager to explore the numerous design opportunities that are now at my fingertips. By far, my favorite part of this experience was being able to watch the 3D printer do its job. Its precision, intricate detail, and uniform movements were mesmerizing to watch. Before this lab, I held the notion that the printer and the accompanying Ultimaker Cura were going to be extremely confusing and intimidating to use. To my surprise, it happened to be quite user-friendly. Now I am confident that through regular usage of the printers, I will develop a new skill and potential hobby.

Not only does this print serve a functional purpose, but it also displays my school spirit. I am already looking forward to my next print!

This Tuesday, I had the opportunity to use and create something with a 3D printer for the first time. I chose to print the JMU cube because it seemed like a cute first 3D print and like something I would keep on my desk. The experience was not like how I imagined it to be; prior to seeing these printers, I had thought all 3D printers would be massive machines that would be extremely expensive. I now know that 3D printers are in fact quite small and inexpensive enough for people to have one of their own in their houses. Luckily, I did not run into any trouble my first time printing; everything went smoothly and the most I had to do was decrease the density before starting in order to reduce the printing time. My print lasted 1 hour and 36 minutes, which was much longer than I thought it would be for such a small trinket I was printing. I am very happy with how it turned out, and I have already put it to use by storing gift cards in it and keeping it on my desk!