Short Summary
Hello we are Quelab, Albuquerque’s nonprofit maker-space. Our mission is to foster and sustain an environment that promotes creativity, invention, and collaboration at the intersections of science, culture, art and technology. We are an all-volunteer run space for anyone in the community to use. Among our many offerings, Quelab has a community workshop; which features an ever increasing number of tools.
One tool that would vastly strengthen our workshop is a 3D Printer. Such a machine enables it’s user to create complex 3D structures. It works by depositing molten plastic layer by layer in a pattern determined by a CAD file. Once the object cools, you have a solid plastic “thing”. What kind of “thing” you ask? Anything! The possibilities are nearly limitless. Our members have many ideas for its uses; they range from making cases, buttons, and toys, to professional robot components like brackets and gears. You name it, and our 3D Printer will make it. The technology is almost to a point where you could print your own LEGOs!
A 3D Printer at Quelab would give our members and anyone from the community a way of bringing their creative ideas into reality. Please donate to our 3D Printer project and you too could take advantage of this amazing tool.
What We Need & What You Get
We are seeking $900 to purchase the needed components and supplies to build a 3D Printer for Quelab. The specific break down of how we will spend those funds is as follows:
- $500 for all the parts and electronics needed to build the printer itself.
- $300 to buy a dedicated computer to run the printer.
- $100 to purchase an initial stock of plastic printing filament.
In the event our campaign raises more funds than we are seeking, we have a number of great stretch goals available.
- For every $20 above our target we will purchase a 1 pound spool of a different color filament (up to $200, or $1100 total).
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If we reach $500 more than that (a total of $1600), we will purchase the components for an additional printer. This will give our more advanced users a platform for experimentation with the 3D printing technology, without endangering the labs printer. Anyone from the community who gets a membership will be able to collaborate on the direction this machine takes.
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If we reach $200 more than that (a total of $1800), it will be used to construct a dual extruder for the experimental printer. This will enable multi-color/material printing.
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Finally any excess money above $1800 will be set aside for any future maintenance of the machines or for more filament.
To help us reach these goals we have a number of exciting perks for you to choose from.
For your contribution of $3 we will thank you by putting your name our website “3D Printer Hall Of Fame”
Donate $8 and we'll give you a copy of our very own 3D printed Quelab Challenge Coin, along with a website mention.
If you are in the Albuquerque area, with a donation of $20 you can come to one open lab/hacknight for free. Plus the preceding perks.
Donate $40 and you’ll get a nice and comfortable Quelab Blue T-Shirt, along with the previous perks.
Maybe you don’t like T-Shirts? For the same $40 donation amount, you can pick something from Thingiverse.com and we’ll print it for you once the printer is done (if you have your own file you’d like printed that’s fine too). Please keep your object’s size within reason, no bigger than the size of a standard Rubik's cube. You will also get the previous perks.
For a $60 donation you will receive a months' membership to come to Quelab and use our printer (and the rest of our workshop). You’ll also get a Blue T-Shirt, Challenge Coin and web mention.
For your generous support of $90 we will teach you how to make your own 3D object and show you how to print it on the printer. In addition, we'll give you a month's membership to use those skills in our workshop, plus a T-shirt, a Challenge Coin and web mention.
Finally for the Über 3D Printing enthusiast out there, if you fund the entire project, for $1,000, you will get all preceding levels of perks and you will be given the honor of naming the printer. A 3D printed plaque with that name on it will be permanently attached to the printer. Name it after yourself. Name it after your dog. Name it after Stephen Colbert! :D
The Impact
With your help, Quelab will be home to this amazing and enabling technology. Moreover, because Quelab is open to the public your contribution will empower artists, tinkerers and inventors from across the city and beyond to pursue their creative passions.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help. Spread the word about this project on your favorite social network and share our project with your friends and family. If you know anyone looking to maximize their charitable deduction on their taxes this year, keep Quelab in mind.
Whatever level of support you can give, we sincerely appreciate it.
Thank You!
