At the FabLab, we checked out a 3D printer and learned about some of the innovations happening with these -- prosthetic hands that cost $45 instead of thousands, a wrench that was printed out IN SPACE for use on the international space station (!), and a building in China that was 3D printed using cement. One of the dads on the trip with us, a doctor, told us that he has read about 3D printers being used with human tissue to make replacement hearts! Amazing stuff!
Tinkertopia is a "creative reuse center" full of all kinds of interesting recycled materials sure to get our creative juices flowing. Just a few ideas that have bubbled up since this trip: lighter scuba breathing apparatus, forcefields that can protect our country from bomb threats, and special superhero-power jumpsuits (with flashing lights, of course). I can't wait to see what results from the "tinkering" we'll be doing in the coming weeks!
A statuette 3D printed out of plastic.
Z models a 3D printed butterfly barette.
This cool frog was made from 33 layers of laser-cut cardboard.
Parts of this cool guitar were 3D printed at the FabLab.
We wish the FabLab, like the Tardis, was bigger on the inside.
Watching a 3D printer in action. This one is in the process of making one of the butterfly barrettes shown above.
Thank you, FabLab!
Start here - take a bag, and fill it with any items labeled "bulk."
Lots of cool things to explore.
Please DO touch.
A rainbow of do-dads.
Decisions, decisions ...
"Hmmm . what could I use this for?"
"Do you need one of these?"
So much neat stuff, so little time ...
"Now THIS is interesting!"
"Hey, look at this! We can use it for ..."
We're headed back to the bus, with bags (and heads) full of invention ideas. Mission accomplished.
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