NORDE International Distributors is making Lulzbot Taz Desktop 3D Printer available in Davao City to help digitally fabricate prototyping projects especially of students in the city.
Lulzbot Taz is a 3D printer from Colorado, United States operating using the Cura LulzBot Edition software with different installed patterns which the machine can follow or which the operator can use to make his own figure. The machine uses different filament materials but most basically the PLA plastic. Nylon Copolymers, Wood PLA Composites, and Metal PLA Composites can also be used depending on the required material that the prototype project would need.
During the 8th Philconstruct Expo where Norde showcased their 3D Printer, an almost inch-high red Bulbasaur was being printed by the machine. According to account manager Samuel Non, the average time for a similarly-sized project to be completed is about 2 hours.
Currently, he said the company realizes the many young students who are into inventing prototypes or at least are coming with ideas that according to Non, could be help realized through the Lulzbot Taz Desktop 3D Printer.
“This is to at least encourage young people to be inventors and to create their ideas into something unique. If you encourage people to create their own ideas, it’s like self upliftment that encourages them that they can actually do what they only think of,” said Non.
A single 3D printer now costs about P280,000 to P300,000 which includes the training for operators, software orientation, and the filament materials to be used.
The company has now talked with the different schools in Davao City including the University of Southeastern Philippines, Ateneo de Davao University, University of Mindanao, and the Philippine Science High School.
When everything has been ironed out and has agreed upon, Non said they would like to be partnering with these schools for the creation of FabLab, an open laboratory concept which started in Bohol in 2014, wherein different machineries will be put up for the use of the students. This includes the 3D printer among others. He said the FabLab’s goal is to inspire the students to be creators and inventors than just merely being consumers.
Aside from miniature collectible items, Lulzbot Taz 3D printer can also print other more useful equipment such as drones, wherein the dynamo and other motors are only to be installed before it can fully operate, and other medical needs such as back braces, and prosthetic body parts. All of these depend on the filament materials to be used.
Norde International Distributors in Davao City is located at FRDC Complex, Davao Gulf Road, Quimpo Boulevard, Matina. Non can be reached through 435-4899 or samuel.non@norde.com.ph.