What if I told you that you could print objects the same way you can print graphics on paper? It's now possible, with a technology called additive manufacturing, or 3D Printing! There are many applications for 3D printing including ideation/prototyping, creating finished goods (jewelry), and customizing traditional manufacturing processes. This technology has recently become cheap and easy enough to use at home. It's poised to disrupt the way we design, build, make, and distribute products. The big players in 3D printing are in Europe and the East Coast, but Portland has a burgeoning community of users and enthusiasts pushing the boundaries of what can be done with 3D printing.

Portland 3D Printing Lab is a group for anyone interested in learning about 3D printing and related topics such as 3D modeling, prototyping, and creating this technology. We meet third week of every month to discuss the industry, our projects, and ways we can collaborate. Join us - we look forward to seeing you there!

In January 50 Layer Geeks saw the landscape for 3D printing at the 2014 Consumer Electronics show, learned about 3D printing gearboxes (important to print parts for other 3D printers), and heard the sweet sound of a 3D printed violin.

In February, be prepared to learn more about how Portland businesses are making use of 3D printing technology for rapid prototyping as well as in finished goods. For this event we're going to try something new. If you're new to 3D printing, come half hour early and we'll give you an overview of the technology so that you can hit the ground running.

Agenda follows:

0600p : 3D printing for Beginners

0630p : Networking over light food/beverages

0700p : Intro

0710p : Community Q&A - Shout out a question, get it answered

0730p : Speaker 1 (To be Announced)

0750p : Speaker 2 (To be Announced) 0810p : More Networking!

Note 1: If you'd like to bring a printer, let Shashi know, so we can set aside table space.

Note 2: If you have a project or business you'd like to talk about, please contact the group organizer by private message. We're looking for 15-20 minute presentations. Slides aren't necessary, but we have access to a projector and plenty of table space. Good examples would be demonstrations of a new technique/tool, an overview of a service you provide, a unique project you've modeled/printed, etc. If you know a great speaker, please refer them!

Please share this with your network and bring your imagination and enthusiasm. We'd particularly like to get people from bigger corps that are using a lot of 3D printing in their design process (looking at you Nike and Intel :)

In February 60 Layer Geeks got to see how real Oregon companies team up to create business opportunities using 3D printing. We kicked off with a high-level overview of what 3D printing is and how it's used. Then, we took a look at updates in the industry and talked about how we, as a community, can work together. Next, Rigado Systems, makers of Lumenplay, showed us how 3D printed parts allows them to be responsive to their customers' needs. RapidMade showed us the kinds of products they can make in short order and gave us advice on how to prepare your products to be printed. Lastly, ProtoPasta told us the story of their Kickstarter for desktop 3D printer filament, made with polycarb and carbon fiber.

In March, we'll take a look at the tools, including an in-depth look at 3D scanning and 3d printed prosthetic hands! Agenda follows: 0600p : 3D printing for Beginners

0630p : Networking over light food/beverages

0730p : Intro

0710p : Show your projects OR

           Community Q&A - Shout out a question, get it answered

0750p : Sklyr @ 3Digitize.us talks about the state of the art in 3D scanning, with a LIVE demo!

0810p : Ivan Owen tells us the story of creating prosthetic hands and joining the e.Nable project! 0810p : More Networking!

Note 1: We also had a LARGE number of printers (including a delta!) represented at our Feb meetup. If you'd like to bring a printer, please contact the group organizer, so we can set aside table space.

Note 2: If you have a project or business you'd like to talk about, please contact the group organizer by private message. We're looking for 15-20 minute presentations. Slides aren't necessary, but we have access to a projector and plenty of table space. Good examples would be demonstrations of a new technique/tool, an overview of a service you provide, a unique project you've modeled/printed, etc. If you know a great speaker, please refer them!

Please share this with your network and bring your imagination and enthusiasm. We'd particularly like to get people from bigger corps that are using a lot of 3D printing in their design process (looking at you Nike and Intel :)

Come visit the offices of ProtoPlant and learn how 3D Printer filament (the plastic build material) is made. This is an Open House, so come anytime and spend some time with the team. Don't forget to RSVP so they can plan properly. If we get enough signups, I hear there's a small surprise in store for us. :) Post questions in the comments!

In March 64 Layer Geeks explored the many options for 3D scanning and got to see large format industrial prints. We kicked off with a high-level overview of what 3D printing is and how it's used. Next, people had a minute to shout out about their projects. Mortuary applications for 3D printing- unforgettable! Then, we took a look at updates in the industry and talked about how we, as a community, can work together. Next, Skylr of 3Digitize.us scanned a slice of pizza and showed us the many ways to do it. Next, Alex of ProtoPlant regaled us with stories of printing on industrial machines, showing us actual large-format prints as well as finely detailed chainmail.

In April, we'll take a look at how 3D printing is literally changing lives by giving people back the use of their limbs.

Agenda follows: 0600p : 3D printing for Beginners (optional for pros!)

0630p : Networking over light food/beverages

0730p : Intro

0740p : Community Time - 2 minutes to ask a question or show off your project

0750p : Ivan Owen - co-creator of the original 3D printed hand prosthetic and supporter of the e-NABLE project

0830p : More Networking! Note 1: If you'd like to bring a printer, please contact the group organizer, so we can set aside table space.

Note 2: If you have a project or business you'd like to talk about, please contact the group organizer by private message. We're looking for 15-20 minute presentations. Slides aren't necessary, but we have access to a projector and plenty of table space. Good examples would be demonstrations of a new technique/tool, an overview of a service you provide, a unique project you've modeled/printed, etc. If you know a great speaker, please refer them! Please share this with your network and bring your imagination and enthusiasm.

Winter has arrived in Portland, and now is the time to stay in and keep warm next to your 3D printer's cozy heated bed.

Come celebrate the arrival of the holiday season with fellow 3DP enthusiasts at a happy hour social sponsored by local 3D printing innovators ProtoPlant in conjunction with the Portland 3D Printing Meetup Group, Autodesk and MAKE magazine.

Mix, mingle, and watch 3D printers in action. Food and beer provided. Win door prizes from MAKE, Matter Compilers, and ProtoPlant!

YOU MUST RSVP for this free event, as we are limited in space to 150 people.

RSVP here on our Meetup page.

Our October Meetup will give you an intimate glimpse into MarkForged, who are delivering FDM 3D prints with high-strength carbon fiber and kevlar cord incorporated into into Nylon. Our sponsors - Engitype and MarkForged - will be there to speak about how the technology works, the materials available, the many different applications, and they might even reveal the Mark X, their newest machine. If you're interested in high-strength, functional 3D prints, you should check this out.

We'll have four presentations covering the new :

715p - MarkForged Materials. - Onyx - Carbon Fiber Filled Nylon and beyond.
735p - Eiger Software - Staging and more - Jacob
755p - MarkX - Presentation - Savage
810p - MarkForged VS The World - (How does the MF printer line-up compare to other printers) - Fred

We'll have food, drink, beer at this meetup, courtesy of Markforged and Engitype. Sign up soon, as space is limited! Please bring your 3D printers, prints to show off during the networking portion!

Who: DIYers, Professionals, Designers, Beginners
When: Wednesday, Oct 26, 2015 6:00 PM
Where: PNCA

Agenda: 6:00pm - Networking & Check out the Mark X 7:00pm - Introduction & community time. 7:15pm - Presentations 8:30pm - More networking