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.