I started this project with the intention of learning how to use the technology services available to me at Ohio State. There are so many incredible resources available through Knowlton and the College of Engineering and I wanted to make sure I didn’t allow for opportunities to go to waste. However, I don’t consider myself great with technology; therefore, I hoped this project would also help me improve this important skill. Technology is so important in today’s world, and the ability to troubleshoot and learn new programs is essential in most jobs. While COVID-19 prevented me from accessing a lot of this tech at OSU, I was able to gain plenty of knowledge about resources, 3-D modeling, and 3-D printing that I look forward to using over the next three years.
My first step was to determine what resources are available to me at Ohio State. I was surprised at how much there is that I did not know about. For example, the TechHub offers access to its Tech Demo space with multiple VR headsets, at least five gaming consoles, Disney +, holographic displays, and more. They also offer plenty of free items for loan that I had never even heard of such as the HoloPlayer One Display (which allows you to interact with a 3-D Hologram) and the ROLI Seaboard and Blocks (which is a small electronic keyboard with a cool, non-traditional sound).
The Holoplayer One Display offered in the TechHub
In addition to many other resources, TechHub offers 3-D printing. According to their website, TechHub accepts files in stl format, and the cost for a small item would be about $10. I have always been interested in 3-D printing. In High School, I took an AutoCAD class, but I was disappointed that we never learned 3-D modeling. However, according to the Knowlton website, all of the computers have AutoCAD Autodesk, so I decided that I would learn about 3-D printing and attempt to make a model for my project.
My first step was to learn about 3-D printing. I learned that 3-D printing is an inexpensive way to make complex items. Although many manufactured items are made by CNC milling, 3-D printing is able to create objects that are too complex for a CNC machine. 3-D printing begins by creating a 3-D model in a AutoCAD-like software. Next, a computer program is used to “slice” the design into printable horizontal layers. Finally, the item is printed by laying down the layers in order to create the item using filament.
The 3-D Printing process
Since I have never 3-D printed before, I wanted to print something small at TechHub just to get an idea of what it was like. However, before I could get a reservation, COVID-19 shut down the school and its resources for the remainder of the semester. I still wanted to print something, so I researched designs on the website Thingiverse. I found a cool pencil holder and had it printed in gold filament for about $12 . Unfortunately, it still hasn’t arrived, although it will supposedly arrive May 26th.
The pencil holder I ordered, but in blue
At this point, I still could not use AutoCAD. It was not available in TechHub online to get a license, and because I was at home I did not have access to the computers in the Knowlton Lab. However, I found a software online called TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD is free and intended for beginners to learn about 3-D modeling. After creating an account, the website has many optional lessons to familiarize the user with the software. The lessons taught me to remove, add, and duplicate material.
With TinkerCad, I created a 3-D frog. It took me nearly 45 minutes to make this frog, and it was very difficult. Every time I changed the angle, I would realize parts of the frog weren’t connected the way I thought they were. However, if I wanted to, I could export this frog and pay to have it 3-D printed. I definitely have a lot of room for improvement when it comes to 3-D modeling. Although, despite the difficulty, I genuinely had fun working in this program. It was relaxing just to spend some time being creative.
This experience taught me that new computer programs are not as intimidating as I tend to think they are. I need to have more confidence in my ability to learn new things, even if they are hard. I also learned a lot about the resources available at Ohio State. I am glad I took the time to learn something new, and I will continue to spend time exploring the resources at Ohio State for the rest of my academic career.
ROLI Seaboard Example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUCN4Q3egmw
TechHub Reservable Spaces: https://techhub.osu.edu/reserve-space
TechHub 3-D Printing Info: https://techhub.osu.edu/3d-printing
Knowlton Software Applications List: https://knowlton.osu.edu/sites/default/files/it-web/software-list.pdf
3-D Printing Info: https://interestingengineering.com/how-exactly-does-3d-printing-work
Pencil Holder Design: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:329076