Presents… 3D Printing:

MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer

Victoria County CAP Sites Association (VCCAPS) in conjunction with Nova Scotia C@P are pleased to present equipment and support to offer 3D Printing!

The MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer makes solid, three-dimensional objects from a three- dimensional digital model. This process is also referred to as distributed manufacturing. The printer heats PLA Filament and squeezes it out through an extruder to make a solid object layer by layer. In order to print 3 dimensional models, a special file format must either be downloaded from the Internet or

created using free software such as Google Sketchup. 3D printing is being used by all sectors, including large

and small businesses wishing to develop prototypes and also those with creative minds. The objects are printed

in PLA, a strong natural substance made from plants.

NSCAP Chair, Eric Stackhouse, explains that the 3D printing technology is part of the new NSCAP mandate to

introduce new technologies, encourage everyone to think how they can use technology to be more productive,

engage youth in science, and generally to develop a learning community through cooperation and sharing of

new skills. “Our plan is to have sixteen printers publically available in communities across Nova Scotia, we don’t

know of any other jurisdiction the size of Nova Scotia that has done this.”

We are excited to be on the leading edge and it will take us a while to develop the best way to have the public

access this technology; but we are encouraging everyone to learn along with us and let us know of your ideas,

questions or design talents.

For further information and to see a demo, please contact Donna MacDonald, Regional C@P Coordinator at

donna@vccaps.com – 725-2760.

Funding for this initiative is a combination of community funds and funding provided by the Department of

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. NSCAP has partnered with Dalhousie University Libraries in this

initiative.