3DPrinterOSA makerspace open to every student, in every major
The Maker Hub started as a mobile cart in 2014. By 2015 it had its own space with sewing machines, an embroidery machine and four 3D printers.
Today it spans two locations, with power saws, hand tools, a drill press, a CNC router, laser cutters and 12 Ultimaker 3D printers. It is free and open to all students and staff, and students from every major use it for coursework, research and fun.
A connected ecosystem behind the scenes
In the background, 3DPrinterOS connects the Maker Hub's 3D printers, files and users. Admins have a complete line of sight into who is printing what, and on which machine.
Every part of the 3D printing process can be tracked, monitored and audited with the reporting tools. With guidance from peers and from Senior Instructional Technologist Dan Reis, students can iterate on prototypes and practice ideation techniques.
80,000+ hours of printing, and a Goldwater Scholar
The Maker Hub's 12 printers have now logged more than 80,000 printing hours and over 16,000 prints.
One standout user is Madison George, a pole vaulter on Elon's track and field team. Finding no pole vaulting shoes designed specifically for female athletes, she is developing a line of women's pole vaulting shoes, using 3D printing as one of her tools. The engineering major was named a Goldwater Scholar for 2022.
