At the heart of New York City's creative tech scene, the NYU Tisch School of the Arts ITP/IMA Makerspace Lab has redefined what it means to integrate technology, design, and education. Thanks to 3DPrinterOS, a cloud-based 3D printer management software, the makerspace has transformed a once chaotic 3D printing environment into a streamlined, data-driven hub of innovation.
Users 3D printing with a single software
Parts 3D Printed
Als Chris Modesitt, ein erfahrener Telekommunikationsmanager, seine 25-jährige Karriere hinter sich ließ, war der weitere Weg ungewiss. Er hatte dazu beigetragen, aus einem kleinen Startup in Utah ein 100-Millionen-Dollar-Unternehmen zu machen, und er wusste, wie man Abläufe skaliert. Sein Team hatte in weiten Teilen Utahs Glasfaser installiert. Aber könnte dieses Fachwissen auf eine völlig andere Branche übertragen werden — eine Branche, die nicht nur von Technologie, sondern auch von Kreativität, einer Vorliebe für Miniaturen und einer Geschäftsmentalität angetrieben wird?
Students from wildly different backgrounds use this makerspace. They explore and push the boundaries of technology, art, and design. Often, 3D printing is the key to connecting diverse disciplines, and turning designs into tangible realities.
And not surprisingly, managing such a high-use space was once likened to navigating the Wild West.
The ITP/IMA Makerspace Lab serves three primary programs: the Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP), the Interactive Media Arts (IMA) undergraduate program, and a low-residency master’s program. Together, the makerspace hosts 600 to 650 students from these programs in its city-block sized open floor plan.
Das Telekommunikationsunternehmen hatte Chris als frühen Mitarbeiter Eigenkapital zur Verfügung gestellt. Nach dem Verkauf sah er sich mit einem Wettbewerbsverbot konfrontiert, das ihn verpflichtete, seine Branche für drei Jahre zu verlassen. Er hätte in einer Führungsposition bleiben können. Er erkannte jedoch, dass, wenn ein Unternehmen ein anderes kauft, viele Stellen gestrichen werden und viele der Kollegen, die er im Laufe seiner Zeit dort eingestellt und betreut hatte, wahrscheinlich entlassen würden. Da er diese Beziehungen mehr schätzte als einen Titel, entschied er sich, das Unternehmen zu verlassen und sich einer neuen und ungewissen Zukunft zu widmen.
Das Gebiet des 3D-Drucks faszinierte ihn wegen seiner Mischung aus technischer Komplexität und kreativem Potenzial. Er gründete eine 3D-Druckerei von Unternehmen zu Unternehmen. Zunächst bot er 3D-Druckdienstleistungen für jeden an, der sie wollte, und machte dabei einige Entdeckungen.
Der Umstieg in den Großhandel war nicht einfach. Schon früh lernte das Team harte Lektionen über den Verkauf von Konsignationen: Es ist zwar einfach, Produkte in lokalen Geschenkeläden oder sogar an Tankstellen zu verkaufen, aber es zu versuchen, ist eine andere Sache. Ohne eine Beteiligung am Spiel haben Ladenbesitzer kaum einen Anreiz, den Umsatz anzukurbeln, sodass Fantasy Pets das gesamte Risiko trägt.
That's why Phil Caridi, the shop manager, called it the Wild West. Printers were monopolized, sometimes by a single student running large prints on multiple machines simultaneously. The lack of oversight wasted resources and created inequity among users.
Phil and the rest of the staff began considering solutions. They could implement a calendar system. Or possibly hire a dedicated technician. But these potential solutions seemed impractical, especially with budget and the scale of operations.
Chris ist begeistert von seiner Wertschätzung für 3DPrinterOS. Über die Software sagt er: „Ich liebe sie sehr. Das Produkt war das wert, was wir jeden Monat dafür bezahlen. Wir kaufen keine Drucker, mit denen ihr keine Integration durchgeführt habt.“
Er sagt, dass Fantasy Pets durch den Einsatz von 3DPrinterOS die großen technischen Hürden überwunden hat und sich jetzt nur noch auf alle geschäftlichen Probleme konzentrieren kann. Er weist darauf hin, dass es wirklich wertvoll ist, jemanden zu haben, der wirklich gut darin ist, der bereits die gesamte technische Last übernommen hat und sich um alle Probleme gekümmert hat. Er sagt, es ermöglicht ihm, sich schnell am Markt zu orientieren.
The software also addresses equity issues by restricting users to one machine at a time, preventing a single student from dominating multiple printers. The staff started watching metrics such as material usage, print history, and project details. This allows them to track trends, and even justify budgets. “Metrics are important,” Phil explained. “We can point to the usage and show what’s actually happening.”
.png)
Abgesehen von den technischen Hürden verfeinerte Fantasy Pets seine Geschäftsstrategie, um sich auf langfristige Nachhaltigkeit zu konzentrieren. Im Gegensatz zu vielen 3D-Druckereien, die als Jobshops operieren und alles produzieren, was die Kunden wünschen, positionierte sich Fantasy Pets als produktbasiertes Unternehmen. Indem sie Designs von Künstlern lizenzierten und eine Reihe von Figuren anboten, die auf unterschiedliche Zielgruppen zugeschnitten waren, schufen sie ein skalierbares, wiederholbares Modell.
The MRI project is a collaboration spanning institutions in Buenos Aires, Germany, and New York. It aims to develop a small-scale, open-source MRI machine for use in remote or resource-limited areas. The project prioritizes fabrication techniques that require only basic CNC tools and 3D printers, meaning that hospitals and clinics in remote locations can produce and maintain their own equipment. Phil tells us, “Theoretically, the plans will be available for people to build in remote regions.” This is completely in line with the ethos of the makerspace, which is to remove barriers to entry, and empower individuals to create solutions.
And this ethos is woven into Project Mjolnir, the adaptive mountain bike project, too. Designed for differently-abled individuals, the bike design includes customizable components, like a hand-cycle mechanism and electric assist. Unlike traditional adaptive bikes, this model is built to evolve. Users can modify and 3D print custom attachments based on their individual mobility needs, whether that means an extra harness for stability or a new braking mechanism for those with limited hand dexterity.
By embedding sensors into the bike, students also collect real-time data on stress points, helping refine the design with every iteration. The project follows an open-source framework, ensuring that adaptive cycling is more accessible worldwide. Students prototype parts using 3D printers, allowing rapid iteration before finalizing designs in aluminum.
This project is one of their VIP (Vertically Integrated Projects) programs, which is run through NYU Tandon School of Engineering. This means it’s run more like a design studio than a class. Students must interview to join the program, and it involves students from all majors.
Phil noted that this bike is specifically engineered for challenging off-road conditions; it’s geared and has a pedal assist motor. Perhaps even more than technical skills, this type of project develops empathy, collaboration, and an entrepreneurial mindset in the makerspace users.
Both these projects span years of work and collaboration. This means students need to be able to pick up a project that is already underway and contribute to it.
Flexibilität ist ein weiterer großer Vorteil. Mit 3DPrinterOS kann sich Fantasy Pets fast augenblicklich an Markttrends anpassen, neue Designs einführen und die Produktion skalieren, ohne dass Umrüstungen erforderlich sind.
Während Fantasy Pets weiter expandiert, freuen wir uns darauf zu sehen, wie Kreativität, Technologie und intelligente Geschäftsstrategien weiterhin etwas wirklich Magisches schaffen können.
After earning a degree in industrial design, he ran his own practice for a decade before shifting into education. He oversaw digital fabrication labs at SCAD, guiding students in mastering new tools and workflows. When his spouse landed a job in New York City, they made the move, enrolling in NYU’s ITP program. Initially a research resident, he soon found himself taking over as the makerspace shop manager, drawn to the dynamic intersection of education, technology, and hands-on making.
With such a deep background in both cycling and engineering, Phil naturally gravitated toward the makerspace’s Project Mjolnir, VIP. Now serving as one of the faculty advisors, he helps students refine designs, making sure that every prototype isn’t just functional but properly adapted to the needs of differently-abled riders. ‘It’s a perfect blend of my past and present work,’ he said, as it combines his technical expertise with the opportunity to make a real-world impact
Of course, managing a makerspace of this scale comes with its share of challenges. One big one is taking into account the wide range of skill levels among students. Users include everyone from 18-year-old undergraduates to career-changing professionals in their 50s. Some students arrive with extensive experience in digital fabrication, while others are complete novices. “It’s hard for us to create training that experienced students don’t find redundant but still gives beginners the building blocks to be successful,” Phil admitted.
To address this, the makerspace uses 3DPrinterOS to create broad user groups: basic and advanced. New users operate with “training wheels”: limited infill, capped print times, and a baseline resolution of 0.15mm or higher. But with experience, they earn greater control. Phil explained that it’s not just about limiting access: “It forces students to think about efficiency. If they want to unlock higher settings, they need to justify why. It’s design thinking at work. Advanced users, who have demonstrated their competence, gain more freedom to push boundaries. This means all students can learn at their own pace but still minimize wasted resource.”
Another aspect is managing the physical space. This is specially true during peak times like midterms, end of semester, and finals. Even with nine 3D printers, the demand often exceeds supply. But as Phil pointed out, just like you can only buy so many screwdrivers, you can only buy so many 3D printers!
Happily, the makerspace spirit of collaboration and creativity wins. Students share resources, pivot to other tools like laser cutters, or find creative ways to adapt their projects. These resourceful and adaptive skills are themselves part of the culture of problem-solving that the makerspace works to develop.
Sustainability is another core focus, and closing the waste loop is a challenge. But the makerspace is making headway, which ties into their original need to reduce wasted resource. They have recently acquired a grinder and sheet press to recycle acrylic waste into reusable sheets; they are also exploring ways to recycle filament. Filament recycling is a complex task, particularly at a small scale, but the staff is optimistic. “Because we print with tough PLA, which is homogenous, it reduces the risk,” Phil explained. These efforts align with their broader mission to be a steward of both resources and learning.
Like many progressive makerspaces, failure is celebrated here, not feared. Phil told us that in a way, “Seeing others fail around you gives you the license to fail.” And the reason this approach is being adopted is it creates a safe environment for experimentation and pushing boundaries. Students can learn through trial and error without judgment.
It’s a philosophy that underpins much of the makerspace’s success. For example, students who initially struggle with 3D printing quickly learn how to optimize designs by considering factors like support structures and infill. In the end, as they become better designers, they also grow their own courage and willingness to tackle complex problems, both in the makerspace and other parts of their life.
And that is key to how the makerspace’s impact extends beyond NYU. Its projects often involve global collaborations and contribute to a larger movement toward decentralized manufacturing. They've made it so students can prototype quickly and efficiently. The space reduces reliance on traditional manufacturing methods, making high-quality designs accessible to more people.
The ITP/IMA Makerspace Lab at NYU Tisch has become a living example of what’s possible at the intersection of technology, creativity, and community. Their reach extends beyond campus, and behind the scenes is 3DPrinterOS, giving a clear line of sight into who is printing what, and on which machines. For the devoted students and the dedicated staff, ITP/IMA Makerspace Lab is both a place to build projects, and a place to build futures.
Join us today and become one of our partners
Erfahren Sie mehr über 3DPrinterOS — die vertrauenswürdigste 3D-Druck-Management-Software für Hochschulen, Unternehmen und OEMs. Füllen Sie dieses Formular aus, um mit unseren Experten in Kontakt zu treten.
Verwalte den Arbeitsablauf und die Berechtigungen für deine Benutzer
Teilen Sie Dateien und 3D-Drucker mit Benutzergruppen
Steuern Sie Ihre 3D-Druckerflotte über einen Browser
Cloud Slicer und Toolpath Viewer
Buchen Sie jetzt Ihr personalisiertes Assessment und erhalten Sie Ihre kostenlose Testversion.
