Sustainable 3D printing for applied artists?

Ann Marie Shillito and Dr Allison Macleod are the two applied artists hosting this event, with invited guest speaker, Dr Sam Vettese, on the topic 'Sustainable 3D printing for applied artists'.

All three use desktop 3D printers to produce their work. Also Ravi Toor of Filamentive has provided a presentation to introduce the issues we face with waste plastic and why his company produce eco-friendly filament for 3D printers.

Prof Sam Vettese is a Maker, Lecturer and Reader in Applied Art and Design at Edinburgh Napier University. She has spoken about using waste fibres combined with PLA plastic to create a new mixed material for 3D printing and laser cutting, and the potential applications.

Ann Marie and Allison participate in the 'Closing the Loop' Project investigating and exploring gaps in current materials knowledge and application of sustainability tools and practices in the studio. *

This online meet-up is to discuss with other applied artists and makers, engaged with, or interested in 3D printing, how we go about reducing our carbon footprint, cutting down waste, questioning how, and wanting to know more on this topic. Everyone interested in this topic is welcome!

Allison Macleod's topic is '3D printing in the studio' and Ann Marie Shillito's is 'Using a desktop 3D printer for experimenting'.

Possible points for discussion include: How many 3D printer users are in the UK? How many folk are interested in using CAD & 3D printing for applied arts? What is the need for recycling services for print waste? Local, national, logistics etc.? Desktop vs Local printing vs National/International 3D print service companies? Sole ownership of a 3D printer or loan schemes/tool libraries? We don't hold all the answers.

* Ann Marie Shillito and Allison Macleod are members of Applied Arts Scotland which supports the 'Closing the Loop' Project in partnership with Creative Informatics.

#sustainability #circulareconomy #circulardesign #appliedarts #AZoominjune #eco-friendlyfilament #appliedartsscotland

Just love 3D printing! The video shows a necklace being 3D printed. It is made up of 3D printed sections linked together during the process of printing by pausing, inserting 'O' rings, and then resuming the printing process. It is having easy access to a desktop 3D printer that extrudes filament that makes doing this possible, as well being able to choose to use high quality recycled 3D printer filament.

The design was digitally 3D modelled by Ann Marie Shillito in 2019 using Anarkik3DDesign haptic programme.