3D Printer Meetup *Challenge*

Change of VenueFree Filament** Please Read!

Hi Guys, we reached out to a local mechanical testing laboratory to hold this event and they agreed to have us! This means we will be getting some really good data, not only for ourselves, but for the community at large!

If you are submitting a hook for the competition, please e-mail me your name and what material(s) you plan on testing (we need to get an accurate head count for the lab) to will@b3innovations.com (subject: Hook) Also, be sure to note your slicer/gcode parameters so we can compare the end results.

We have 3 excellent filament producers sponsoring the event Fila-Mint (http://www.fila-mint.com), IC3D (http://www.ic3dprinters.com) and Proto-pasta (http://www.proto-pasta.com). They have generously donated PLA, ABS, and Polycarb-ABS alloy filament we will be giving away to competitors!

New Location:Tensile Testing Metallurgical Laboratory4520 Willow ParkwayCleveland, OH 441256:30 - 8:30PMPlease try to arrive between 6:30-6:45.

Also, we won't be bringing food/drinks to this event, but we will make it up to you next month!

Print On, Printers!

This month 3D Printed Hook Challenge!

At trade shows and events we are often asked how strong 3D printed parts can be... I feel this is a loaded question because there are so many variables that affect how "strong" a part will ultimately be. What's the geometry? How will it be used? How are you measuring its "strength"?...

Then I proceed to hand them a 3D printed hook. Made on a sub $700 home-made printer, using standard ABS filament, with one unique characteristic... it was printed with one of our monster 2mm nozzles. This yields thick, strong extrudate which ultimately creates one pretty tough plastic part!

I challenge them to try their hardest to break it, which inevitably leads to huffing, puffing, and a bright red face. This isn't meant to embarrass anyone. In fact, it usually has a profound effect, leaving one to consider what else can be made on a 3D printer.

During July's meeting, I challenged one of our own members to this very task. After the amazement, we came up with the idea that those interested should give this print a try and during August's meetup we will test the tensile strength of everyones print! And the winner will win something!

Rules & Instructions:

• You must use this STL (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:955534) file
• Use any material you like (except adamantium)
• 2 part max/person for entry into official competition (bring as many as you like for testing purposes outside the competition)
• We are building a rig to apply the force needed to break the hooks; This will likely be a shop press and a heavy duty scale, so it won't be the most accurate test, but it will be fun!
• Highest weight wins! (we [B3] will not be part of the official competition since we are running it)

Any questions? Please let me know!
Will@b3innovations.com

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/9/8/600_440562904.jpeg

Commence normal monthly meeting spiel:

Hello 3D Printer Enthusiasts!

Join us for Cleveland's monthly 3D printer meetup!

Bring your printers and creations to show off and meet other fellow 3D printer enthusiasts — or if you are curious about 3D printing please join us to learn what it's all about!

Free entry, Free food and Free drinks will be provided! Tables and extension cords will be setup for your printers and computers.

If you have been to a 3D printer meetup before (like our friends at the Columbus Idea Foundry host), it will be pretty much the same vibe. If you haven’t been to one before, don’t hesitate to come and check it out. It’s very informal, people are friendly and very knowledgeable about 3D printing.

Our goal here is to bring folks together on common ground: 3D printing and related technology. If you are looking to socialize, discover what others are doing, and sharing your own creations then we would love to meet you! Family and friends are welcome!

— Mike & Will / B3 Co-founders