NIH Library Technology Sandbox: 3D Printing for Medical Research

NIH & NIH Library

Technology Sandbox (“the Sandbox”)

6-month pilot (June 2 – December 31) Goal: assess 3D printing needs at NIH Access to Makerbot Replicator 2/2X 3D printers Develop an online guide: Customers asked to complete evaluation after print 3D Printing Pilot

Tools Used Makerbot Replicator 2 Single extruder PLA (polylactic acid) a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources (e.g. cornstarch) Makerbot Replicator 2x Double extruder ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) On loan from partner Airwolf 3D HD3x Double extruder Prints using18 different types of material Next generation of 3D printers at the NIH Library

Models: Rapid Prototyping Mouse Operant Chamber Modified Chin Rest Modified Lenses Dish

Models: Proteins LAMBDA Exonuclease vFLIP-IKKgamma complex Kaposi's sarcoma- associated herpes virus protease

Models: Pre and Post Cleanup

Epic Failures

Printer Malfunctions Extruder repair Cable repair

Partnerships & Networking Vital to pilot Formed a 3D printing special interest group and listserv to promote info sharing and collaboration Mutually beneficial relationships: –Share statistics and usage data –Knowledge sharing/best practices –Tools, supplies, software Primary Partners: –NIH Center for Information Technology –National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences –National Institute of Child Health and Human Development –NIH 3D Print Exchange:

Implement a library (data/info) visualization program Assess evaluation data from 3D printing pilot Grow staff competencies in technologies and software Continue to promote the Sandbox to NIH staff and other customers and build partnerships/relationships Assess NIH’s needs related to collaborative spaces, emerging, new technologies, etc. Future Endeavors

James King NIH Library Branch Chief/Information Architect Thank You