It has been well over a month since I first got my Bambu Lab P1S, and it has been quite the introduction into the world of additive manufacturing.
Setup
I set up my 3d printer in my dorm room above the fridge. While this isnt ideal for emissions, it is right next to the window and has quite a powerful fan right behind it to ventilate. For this reason I am also greatful that I got an enclosed printer, as I can avoid more microplastics and also print with engineering grade filaments.
What I Have Been up to
The biggest realization for my with this printer is the decrease of dependence on the hyper-consumerist society we live in. While I do still buy stuff from time to time, my introduction into the 3d printing world has also lead to me buying a lot of raw materials and tools to make my own things, mainly a lot of screws and bolts.
I now can craft purpose-built products for my room and issues. I have been given an outlet to use my computer to design real, tangible products for myself, and I have loved it.
A simple thing I have been working on (this is an old picture) is my wall mount for all my supplies. With this wall rack, I can make my tools and maker-supplies close to my work area ( which unfortunately still looks a bit like a mad scientist den )
I didn’t just print things for utility and function, however, and did spend some time in the beginning printing some fun little trinkets for myself. One thing I made was the final “Hex Core” from arcane:
The Future of Consumerism
I touched on it briefly in previous notes, but the thing that this printer has done for me more than anything is the ability to make my own products in cases where I would have otherwise ordered something online. Not only has this saved me a lot of money, but it has been exceptionally helpful for purpose built parts. I was able to make a table stand that fit my exact bed frame in college - maybe I can sell these on campus!
From my own experience, I hope to see this take off as a more mainstream hobby. While Bambu Lab has had their fair share of controversy recently, they have really opened up the printing market to the wider public, and made it so that you can use a 3d printer as a tool without have to know the tool inside out. This has really brought out the engineer within me, and I think if society were to adapt local additive manufacturing techniques in the household, people would be able to spend a lot less while getting a lot more.