Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

3D Printing Project on Woodberry Down, Manor House

A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a very innovative community project that's just starting up on the fast changing Woodberry Down Estate in Manor House. The idea is to use 3D printing (printing an object) both as a community art tool with social purpose and, more practically, to train locals in 3D printing with a view to them using it commercially.

It sounded really interesting, so I got myself down there last weekend, snapped a few bits of video with my iphone and cobbled together this video.

The project is run by the Manor House Development Trust with the support of Something & Son and Initition.

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Permalink Reply by John D on March 18, 2012 at 19:36

errr - what is 3D printing though ?

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Permalink Reply by Hugh on March 18, 2012 at 19:43

Thanks for the question, John.

Here's a definition from extremetech:

3D printing is a method of manufacturing everything from tools to shoes to jewelery, or even car and aerospace parts using a computer-controlled printer. The fundamental rule of 3D printing is that it’s an additive manufacturing technique, unlike machining, turning, milling, and sawing which are subtractive.

While there are different kinds of 3D printing, all 3D objects are generally built out of layers. A 3D printer starts with the bottom layer, waits for it to dry or solidify, and then works its way up. This layering process differs depending on the printer and the material it works with — metal, plaster, polymer, resin — but it also depends on whether it’s an industrial or commercial 3D printer.

Hope that helps. I imagine a bit of googling around will offer many more definitions and links.