Key Skills: 3D Printer Repair, Additive Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Design for Manufacturing

The Invention Studio is a volunteer student run makerspace at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I was the technical lead responsible for the repair, maintenance, and management of 50 FDM, SLA, and specialty 3D printers valuing $200,000. I developed protocols and trained ~500 students, researchers, and faculty to assist in the design process from ideation to manufacturing.

The wall of printers shown above is the completion of an initiative started in my final year. Working with the exec board and other 3D print leaders we upgraded our fleet from primarily Ultimaker printers to Bambu Lab X1C.

As a 3D printer lead:

• Spearheaded introduction of metal-composite 3D printing including equipment scoping and implementation of operating procedures
• Repair and maintenance of ~50 printers including:
  • Ultimaker 2, 3, s3, s5
  • Bambu Lab X1C
  • Formlabs: Form 3, 3L, Form Auto
  • Markforge Mark 2: Composite printer with carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass
  • Creality CR-30 Belt Printer

• Create training protocols and safety policy
• Track inventory supplies and submit purchase requests
• Coordinate replacement components with suppliers
• Guest lecturer in 1st year CAD classes on design for manufacturing
• Consultant for application and material inquiries for competition projects and research
• Train and test hundred of visitors

Outside of academics, I spent the majority of my time volunteering in the Invention Studio at Georgia Tech. The student run makerspace provides support for students, faculty, and staff across the university working on coursework and personal projects. I was a prototype instructor, training visitors how to operate machinery and facilitating the ideation process. As time went on, I specialized and became a tool group lead for 3D printing.

The studio was hands down my favorite part of Georgia Tech and I think it had the largest impact on my capabilities as engineer. I’ve gained a lot of hands on experience and am extremely comfortable with rapid prototyping. A lot of the hobby projects that I’ve completed were just an afternoon of me wanting to explore a new fabrication technique.

Over my time at the Invention Studio, I also:

• Operated equipment including: waterjet, manual mills, lathe, CNC, metal and wood machining tools, electronic test instruments, 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines
• Trained users how to safely operate equipment
• Consultant to guide users how to create their personal projects
• Hosted workshops, technical and career development
• Mentor and volunteer coordinator for summer high school internship
• Tour guide for K-12 students, industry leaders, and the larger Georgia Tech community

If you’re ever visiting Georgia Tech, I absolutely recommend taking the time to visit the Invention Studio!!!