Time to meet another member of the 3D printing community: Gary Erickson, aka Skyblue, is in his 60s and was looking for a new hobby when he discovered 3D printing. We had a chat to him about how he got started, and why 3D printing is the perfect hobby...
What first attracted you to 3D printing and model-making?
I was attracted to 3D printing because my brother bought a Leapfrog Creator. He waited months for the European delivery, but upon receipt he was very excited. I was amazed by the technology and eventually bought a Solidoodle 3. I have no technical background, just a love of computing and graphics. The hobby seemed to encompass all of the things I was interested in, in one package: computers, software, graphic arts, and the mechanical aspects of the printer technology itself.
What software do you use to design your projects? How did you learn to use it?
I use many different software packages to create objects for printing. All of them are free, starting with Autocad’s 123D Catch, free software for capturing objects, and converting to 3D models. To make signs and plaques, I use a software package from Germany called BMP2IGES, also free. I use Netfab Studio Free to correct errors, and check imported files, and export as STL files. I also use Meshlab, to reduce the size of the exported STLs, and reduce the file size. I am playing with Sculptris Alpha6, also free.
I’m still waiting for the industry to release a reasonably priced all-in-one software package aimed at the 3D printing community. Since I am retired, I have lots of time to learn individual software packages, but it is very time consuming.
Why did you choose to get involved with 3D printing, rather than other kinds of making or designing?
I always liked graphic arts, and 3D printing literally added another dimension to my interests.
3D printing seems to be becoming increasingly widespread and accessible to more and more people - do you think we'll see more people getting involved as time goes on?
As the price of the technology is reduced, I see more people being able to acquire a 3D printer, and the industry is sure to grow.
What's the best thing about 3D printing, from your perspective?
What I like best about 3D printing is that it includes all my interests in one package - although I couldn't have predicted that I would have to learn some electronics. A lot of trouble shooting is required to get consistent prints - again, it's very time consuming, but that’s what hobbies are all about.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to get started with 3D printing, and didn't know where to start?
My advice to those interested in this technology is to be prepared to learn, as some of the software is very intimating, but the rewards are great! Happy printing!