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Next Gen Printing: Everything Small is Part of Something Bigger

Christina McBride | September 27, 2018

Topics: 3d printing, CAD, design, ETSY, Future, logos, printmakers, rva mag, scotts addition, technology

The growing global community of 3D printing is, in large part, an online discussion. Printmakers and designers around the world share tips and tricks, open source designs, and free advice on various online forums. All3DP publishes a list every month of the 50 coolest things to 3D print. This month, it includes survival whistles, sound amplifiers, and wrenches. Printing these, as well as pretty much any other object you can think of, is something that Virginia’s first and only 3D print shop, 3D Central, specializes in.

Located in Scott’s Addition, 3D Central is a one-stop shop for where the future of the sector is moving. It allows for in-person consultations, assistance, and a physical space for 3D printing. 

Co-founder Chris Caswell started the store as an Etsy shop in 2011 with his brother, Jonathan, and his wife, Cyndi. “We started the business together when we moved down to Richmond from Boston,” said Chris. As the number of printers and customers grew, they were able to open their own store.

The storefront functions more as a workshop than a retail space. Plastic bits litter the surfaces, designs sit beside their physical manifestations, and everywhere you turn is a new small part of a bigger thing. The bits of plastic scattered about are a result of post-print perfection. “The print isn’t done as soon as it comes out,” said Jonathan.

3D Printed Logos. Photo by Christina McBride

During a printing session for RVA Magazine logos, he explained the process through each stage. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is used to model all 3D objects. The precision specifications for printing are laid out in the CAD design: the size, shape, and detail. After the design is created, it is converted into a file format used for 3D printing and rapid prototyping, which takes into account the surfaces of the design.

“Everything, everything, is laid out in the software,” said Chris.

That file then has to be sliced into layers so the printer can build the model from the bottom up. Since every object is made up of plastic layers, the more layers they use, the more detailed the print becomes.

“Then you drag the design to your flash drive and stick it in the printer,” said Jonathan.

Spools of thick ABS or PLA plastic thread are looped into the machine, determining the type and color of plastic the print will bring to life. Different types of plastic (or sometimes, rubber) work best with different designs. For instance, one customer needed to print a specific screw for his sailboat that he couldn’t find anywhere else. Another asked for custom cookie cutters for her pre-made gingerbread house sets. Another needed to print the prototype for a business model. 

The Caswells were most excited about a personal printing accomplishment. In one design, they were able to create an accordion-like hinged extension that fans out to almost as wide as Jonathan’s wingspan. It’s the “extendo” in the extendo arm. Like most of their prints, it’s a part, but they haven’t yet attached it to anything.

Jonathan smiled and let it stretch out to his side, saying, “It could be a giant grab-arm.”

As the technology continues to grow, more opportunities for both commercial and personal use have become available. According to CAD Crowd, MIT has recently developed a 3D printer that outputs almost 10 times faster than the commercial printers currently available — which is leading to breakthroughs in medicine, engineering, and event printed metals.

3D Central taps into these trajectories. In the shop, one could easily spy trade show models, spare technology parts, figurines, custom plastic busts, the Millennium Falcon, and even a shoe. However, one of their more popular products is their Yuni: Single-Sided Stereo Headphone for listeners with hearing problems. The product is 3D printed, assembled, and wired by 3D Central in-house. 

Plastic Spools for Printing. Photo by Christina McBride

The world of 3D printing is not without controversy, however. When asked about his stance on printing guns, Chris said, “Certainly we don’t do that. But just like other people have hobbies, some gun owners think of it as a hobby, and need parts for that sort of thing.”

He said that, besides plastic being a bad material for weapons, for the price of a printer (the cheapest, fully assembled model runs about $600) and the time putting the gun together, one might as well spend the money on a real gun.  

The debate on 3D printed guns is complicated. Printed guns do not have serial numbers like weapons you’d buy in a store, so they fall under the category of “ghost guns,” which are not legal to buy or sell. What’s more, under the stipulations set forward by the Undetectable Firearms Act, guns have to have metal parts, regardless of whether those parts are necessary for the production, so that they’ll show up in metal detectors. And it is not just a Second Amendment issue: these guns are designed and printed by people, which brings free speech into the debate. 

Nonetheless, the only weapons 3D Central prints are for cosplay. A pile of printed Nerf guns and accessories hang out in a corner, along with a Nerf dart shooter; they are bright, bulky, printed, and assembled in-house. The most awesome part: there’s also a sword.

A few years ago, this technology seemed esoteric and out of reach. Now public schools, libraries, and universities all have 3D printers available for use. Communities at large and private owners will benefit from 3D printing technology – designs and prints can be finished before an Amazon package would reach your door. Even NASA can now send designs for otherwise-expensive spare parts to be printed at the International Space Station for in-space construction. Universities are also testing the bio-printing of viable 3D cells to end the organ transplant shortage. The future of the technology seems limitless.

Right now, though, its real merit is in providing quick, simple solutions — like printing a new phone case, or a Halloween costume prop. The technology is popular with tinkerers and craftspeople, and many of these owners have online businesses for 3D printed gifts or toys, some of which are now popping up on Etsy and Amazon.

But despite 3D printing’s increased accessibility, it’s still not an appliance, according to Jonathan. With no simple means to create objects, like pushing a button on a microwave, he likened having a 3D printer at home to owning a woodworking machine. To output a finished product, it requires knowledge of the software and the ability to design each object, as well as time, effort, and a willingness to try again if the first print fails. Unless consumers put serious time into in the 3D printing technology, as artists like Chris and Jonathan have done, it is unlikely that the current technology will be used to its full potential.

To learn more about the 3D printing process, you can find Chris and Jonathan on their website and Instagram, and check out their products on Etsy and Amazon.

Butta Leather: Weekend Playlist by Illa Styles

RVA Staff | August 24, 2018

Topics: Night Moves, Night Work, Playlist, rva mag, RVA Mag Weekend Playlist, Virginia Weekend

Every Friday night, RVA Mag drops one scorcher of a playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions. This week Richmond rapper, Illa Styles, launches the ground truth and curates a playlist that will drive your night work in whichever direction it needs to go.

Go make moves tonight Virginia.

 

 

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

Scumdogs: RVA Mag Weekend Playlist by GWARbar

RVA Staff | August 3, 2018

Topics: bangers, gwar, GWARbar, rock and roll, rva mag, Scum Dogs, thrash, Weekend Playlist

Every Friday night, RVA Mag drops one banger of a playlist curated by Virginia’s most influential artists, musicians, and institutions. This week, Richmond institution GWARBar, drops some tracks to help you thrash through the weekend.

Stay frosty Virginia.

Music Sponsored By Graduate Richmond

 

RVA Mag Now Accepting Applications For Fall 2018 Interns

Amy David | July 30, 2018

Topics: interns, rva mag

Do you or someone you know have the writing chops to seek out and deliver compelling stories on the latest in music, art, food, beer, politics and current events in Richmond? Well, you’re in luck, because the editors of RVA Mag are in need of editorial, video, and graphic design interns for our upcoming fall session!

We’re looking to fill about eight slots for people who are passionate, creative, hard-working, and willing to learn and better themselves under the guidance of two professional media outlets here in Richmond. You will cover artists, musicians, fashion, craft beer, restaurants, film, theatre, and more. RVA Mag is also looking for interns who have a strong interest in politics at all levels: local, state, national and the intersections between them. This interest will include reporting on policy and identity issues, writing opinion pieces (if comfortable), and going out on the beat with our staff’s reporting team to political events and press conferences. Must have a strong understanding of the conversation that surrounds these issues and how they connect across modern media platforms, specifically social media.

We are also looking for strong voices to be able to report on women’s issues throughout the Commonwealth, as well as writing about women’s empowerment in all aspects of politics, policy, and gender identity. Must have a strong understanding of the conversation that surrounds these issues.

Ideal candidates will:

  • Attend college and be in need of 2-3 credits through their scholastic program. MUST BE a Journalism/Public Relations/Mass Comm major
  • Have 2-3 days availability during the week, with the freedom to attend events in the evening
  • Have a laptop, digital camera, digital voice recorder, and/or smartphone
  • Be willing to work hard
  • Understand the responsibilities involved when committing to a project
  • Have experience writing non-fiction
  • Have an open mind, with the willingness to cover issues and topics that might be altogether new to you

Attending a college program is not required, but those not in a program should be able to show a history of successful writing or commitment to a long-term project.

Editorial Internship Details: 

1. Writing –  You will be responsible for some of the more regular weekly content: news writing, event previews, album reviews, business listing updates, political updates.

2. Interviewing – you will be speaking to LOTS of different people. The voices of the city and state help define a publication, and you will be seeking out those voices.

3. Pitching and developing long-form stories – we want to help you get published, we want to see you succeed. We’ll help you get there.

Video Intern Details

We are looking for several individuals who can ideally pitch, shoot, edit and produce compelling video on breaking news and feature stories for RVA Mag. Candidates should be studying journalism, film, or another related field, but all applicants with video or multimedia experience will be considered. Must have strong narrative storytelling skills, ability to meet deadlines, and ability to work with video team. Those who own or are familiar with a DSLR camera will be considered first. Experience with Final Cut Pro, Final Cut X or similar video editing software a plus.

For the video internship, please send resume, cover letter, reel and any related work to Landon Shroder at [email protected].

Graphic Design Details 

We are looking to fill one slot for a creative, hardworking, designer who can work quickly. You will create regular graphics for web and print as well as Instagram and Facebook. Enrolled in a graphic design program a plus, but not required. Proficient in Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. Please send resume, cover letter, and samples of work to Amy David at [email protected]

What you will get out of the internship program:

  • An understanding of the daily operations of an independent publication in a medium market town
  • The independence to cover stories and issues which interest you
  • Lots and lots of clips
  • Long form and short form writing experience
  • Multi-media web-based project experience
  • Access to shows, parties, and events

What we need from you:

  • Resume
  • Availability from Aug. 27th – Dec. 20th
  • Cover letter detailing why we should bring you on board
  • One short writing sample

Please send an email to Amy David at [email protected] and put “Internship Submission” as the subject line. Deadline for submission is Sun., Aug. 19. Internships are currently unpaid.

We are always seeking to diversify our newsroom, LGBTQ and minority students are very much encouraged to apply. 

RVA Mag Now Accepting Applications For Summer 2018 Interns

Amy David | April 9, 2018

Topics: internship program, rva internships, rva mag

Do you or someone you know have the writing chops to seek out and deliver compelling stories on the latest in music, art, food, beer, politics and current events in Richmond? Well, you’re in luck, because the editors of RVA Mag are in need of editorial and video interns for our upcoming summer session!

We’re looking to fill about eight slots for people who are passionate, creative, hard-working, and willing to learn and better themselves under the guidance of two professional media outlets here in Richmond. You will cover artists, musicians, fashion, craft beer, restaurants, film, theatre, and more. RVA Mag is also looking for interns who have a strong interest in politics at all levels: local, state, national and the intersections between them. This interest will include reporting on policy and identity issues, writing opinion pieces (if comfortable), and going out on the beat with our staff’s reporting team to political events and press conferences. Must have a strong understanding of the conversation that surrounds these issues and how they connect across modern media platforms, specifically social media.

We are also looking for strong voices to be able to report on women’s issues throughout the Commonwealth, as well as writing about women’s empowerment in all aspects of politics, policy, and gender identity. Must have a strong understanding of the conversation that surrounds these issues.

Ideal candidates will:

  • Attend college and be in need of 2-3 credits through their scholastic program. MUST BE a Journalism/Public Relations/Mass Comm major
  • Have 2-3 days availability during the week, with the freedom to attend events in the evening
  • Have a laptop, digital camera, digital voice recorder, and/or smartphone
  • Be willing to work hard
  • Understand the responsibilities involved when committing to a project
  • Have experience writing non-fiction
  • Have an open mind, with the willingness to cover issues and topics that might be altogether new to you

Attending a college program is not required, but those not in a program should be able to show a history of successful writing or commitment to a long-term project.

Editorial Internship Details: 

1. Writing –  You will be responsible for some of the more regular weekly content: news writing, event previews, album reviews, business listing updates, political updates.

2. Interviewing – you will be speaking to LOTS of different people. The voices of the city and state help define a publication, and you will be seeking out those voices.

3. Pitching and developing long-form stories – we want to help you get published, we want to see you succeed. We’ll help you get there.

Video Intern Details

We are looking for several individuals who can ideally pitch, shoot, edit and produce compelling video on breaking news and feature stories for RVA Mag. Candidates should be studying journalism, film, or another related field, but all applicants with video or multimedia experience will be considered. Must have strong narrative storytelling skills, ability to meet deadlines, and ability to work with video team. Those who own or are familiar with a DSLR camera will be considered first. Experience with Final Cut Pro, Final Cut X or similar video editing software a plus.

For the video internship, please send resume, cover letter, reel and any related work to Landon Shroder at [email protected].

What you will get out of the internship program:

  • An understanding of the daily operations of an independent publication in a medium market town
  • The independence to cover stories and issues which interest you
  • Lots and lots of clips
  • Long form and short form writing experience
  • Multi-media web-based project experience
  • Access to shows, parties, and events

What we need from you:

  • Resume
  • Availability from May 14th – August 10th
  • Cover letter detailing why we should bring you on board
  • One short writing sample

Please send an email to Amy David at [email protected] and put “Internship Submission” as the subject line. Deadline for submission is Mon., April 30. Both are unpaid internships.

We are always seeking to diversify our newsroom, LGBTQ and minority students are very much encouraged to apply. 

Facebook is Changing Your Access to News. Here’s How to Keep up with RVA Mag

RVA Staff | January 22, 2018

Topics: Facebook, fake news, Independent Media, News, Russian Trolling, rva mag

For some time, Facebook has been the primary distribution channel for most news outlets throughout the US. This has been true for the smallest local news outlets, straight through to macro content producers like CNN and Buzzfeed. Pew Research Center found that in 2017 alone, almost 68 percent of all Americans consumed their news via Facebook. This is no coincidence either since Facebook courted publishers and made available platform features that allowed for a vast and easy distribution of news including the now unfortunate “pivot to video”.

Yet after facing deep criticism for their inability to identify Russian trolling during the last election or stop the proliferation of fake news, Facebook has now made a conscious decision to show less news content on your feed, in favor of posts from your friends and family. Instead of just fixing the problem with their news distribution, Facebook is just killing the ability to consume news, which is now putting at risk the vast ecosystem of local, regional, and national publishers.

Needless to say, this puts in jeopardy independent news sources that are critical to generating the kinds of conversations needed to ensure accountability and transparency in our communities.

So what can you do to ensure that you have full access to RVA Mag’s daily online content? Follow these simple steps below:

Mobile

  • First thing’s first. Make sure to like RVA Mag on Facebook here:
  • Once you’ve done that, click on the “follow” button below the sign-up / send message button.

 

  • Once there click, “see first”. If you want push notifications from RVA Mag, make sure “get notifications” is turned to on.

Laptop / Desktop

  •  First things first. Make sure to like RVA Mag on Facebook here:
  • Once you’ve done that, right below the banner image, you will see the “like” and “following” buttons.

  • Click on “following” and then click “see first”.

  • Click on the icon labeled “Following,” and then click “See First.” If you want to get push notifications from RVA Mag, make sure to also click the “icon (Events, Suggested Live Videos)” feature.

If you have any questions about content delivery or how to better get RVA Mag news, please feel free to email us at [email protected]

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