18 Oct Feature Friday with Team 3D Printing!

The NEXIS team has been hard at work on their new projects regarding 3D Model Printing!

3D printing has been used for countless purposes, especially in today’s advanced technological landscape, and our team has continued to learn and adapt with it. Currently, our focuses on figuring out the most effective formula for leveling up 2D models to 3D. Translating an image from computer screen to 3D model has presented obvious challenges, not only in visualizing information, but precisely translating its dimensions as well.

Each day that we have worked, we are finding and developing the necessary solutions to optimize these processes. We are using relatively new software called “Autodesk”, to build each CAD model to scale before it enters the printing process. Since the software is new to us, we are still experimenting, and will be conducting trial and error testing in the short term.

We have two main projects, one for Fall 2019 and one for Spring 2020. Firstly, our goal is to replicate the actual NEXIS lab as a 3D model. Not only will each component of the lab be made to scale, but the lab will also be interactive, offering the ability to control lights and access Alexa’s services. This will likely take the remainder of the semester, but we are excited to take on the challenge and show off the end result.

Our long-term project for Spring 2020 is a special one for the team, as we will be partnering with a team from Syracuse construction management, who are taking part in a “solar decathlon.” At the decathlon, they will be presenting an idea of new building and structure that they are going to create meant specially for individuals with Autism. We will be helping them model the building with 3D printing models, making sure it is accessible for autistic individuals. We are thoroughly ecstatic to be participating and contributing to such a great cause and look forward to doing our part in creating the final project.