Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Do you ever think of bringing one of your daydream project ideas to life and wonder, “how do I make that?”
That happened to me often growing up. I loved designing and creating things in AutoCad, but traditional manufacturing methods were expensive and impossible for small-product runs back then.
That changed when I moved to Los Angeles for grad school in 2011. I discovered a community hackerspace with 3d printers, 3d scanners, a laser cutting machine and CNC machines to make whatever my heart desired out of almost limitless materials, and my passion for creating was reignited.
Although I no longer live there — lucky for me and anyone wanting to invent — those hackerspaces have moved online and are accessible to anyone who has a desire to create and learn.
The number of companies offering these technologies to everyday inventors online is growing rapidly.
I use CNC machining, laser cutting and photochemical etching to create one-off pieces in stainless steel and brass, but laser cutting and engraving can also be used to create intricate patterns and designs in wood, fabrics, leather, acrylic and other metals.
Additive manufacturing is the future, and with 3d printing, laser sintering and investment casting available online for one-off projects, many complex ideas can be accomplished in a growing availability of materials like sandstone, plastics and metals.
All you need to use these production methods are free open-source vector graphic or CAD software, which can be learned through free tutorials online.
Opening these technologies to the masses has created access that would have been out of reach for the majority of people just a few years ago.
When prototyping is as easy as typing on a keyboard, the cost of bringing an invention to life is drastically reduced.
The democratization of manufacturing can be a boon to those coming from economically disadvantaged communities because anyone can create and sell unique products in one of the many craft and small-business oriented retail sites online.
I hope if you have been sitting on an idea for many years, wondering, “how do I make that?” you will get on the Internet tonight and give it a shot.
Aubry Buzek is a staff writer for Clovis Media Inc. Contact her at:
