AYLUS’s 3D printing project was planned to use 3D printing to print facial mask holders, which would relieve the stress on local hospitals and healthcare centers. AYLUS organized a total of six groups with roughly four people per group. By printing 30+ mask holders per person in 7-10 days, AYLUS planned to donate hundreds of facial mask holders with the final eventual goal to contribute to the stressed, overworked local hospitals.
East Branch sponsored FOUR 3D printers to rotate printing jobs among participated members, each member is assigned to print 30 frames in 5-7 days. The first group spent a lot of time to install, adjust, try-out, and calibrate the printers. Michael D. Fu quickly get familiar the machine, then shared his experience to other members. His instruction is a good reference to all members.
In summary, the entire 3D process began as a very stressful process that was very difficult to do in general. The initial building of the 3D printer was horrendous, as the instructions provided little to no instruction, and the only resource that was somewhat valuable came from online, rendering the entire manual near useless. The printing itself was another beast, and the only light in the darkness was that my father selflessly decided that he would share the painful experience alongside me. The task of leveling the printer sent me and my father in many fits of rage, which we later found out was the result of the table the 3D printer was on. None of our issues were easy to solve, and none of them were noted by the instructions, or by any resource online. The initial process was very frustrating and time-consuming but the ending of the entire process felt rewarding, as I felt as if I had contributed to society and that my struggles and efforts would be put to good use during this global pandemic.
Attendance: Gary Mei (45 hrs), Michael D Fu(48 hrs), Jay Pan(45 hrs), Larry Cai(45 hrs), Kevin Shen(37.5), Emily Yang(46.5 hrs), David Qu(45 hrs), Rachel Li(45 hrs)
Reported by Gary Mei
