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What? :: Members create original designs. Members vote on the winner. The winning design gets printed on things (think clothing, accessories, mugs, prints, etc), on-demand, for a reasonable fee.

Why? ::  To showcase member creativity and artistic talents; get some unique new wares that show a little PS1 pride; have some fun; potentially provide members with an opportunity to learn how to print designs on things (see below for more info).

When? :: You can start creating and submitting…

Despite never having announced that Level2 is closed, everyone was disciplined not to organize large gatherings. During the last months we got some requests if visiting is possible. To those we replied that alone is fine. This was well respected. Thanks to everyone.

From now on this will change and we will adapt to the regulations of the government. When entering the building you must follow the building regulations: while in the common area, wear a mask and sanitize hands . This includes…

PrusaSlicer is a free, powerful slicer that can also be extremely easy to use for all skill levels. This means you can experiment slicing at home before sending in your STL file, and get an idea of materials/time usage. Anyone can download it and with basic training, get a reasonable estimate on time to print.

1. Import into PrusaSlicer
2. Select settings
3. Export G-Code
   • If using a Seattle…

Learn the basics of 3D design with Fusion 360. Fusion 360 is a free beginner friendly design software that also has deep and varied array of tools to satisfy even advanced users. As we work together to each model our own 3D coffee mug, we’ll cover many common 3D modeling skills which can easily be transferred to your own projects.

For this class you will need your own computer (minimum system requirements), create a free Autodesk account, and download Fusion 360 for hobbyists.

There will…

The hacklab has been mostly quiet recently because of COVID-19 closure, but having an empty lab is an opportunity to renovate. We are busy working on installing a new floor and furniture to make the place comfortable for when we reopen.

I hope you are all doing well. The shop closure has been tough, but we’re back!

Please read this message carefully, as it contains information that you will need to know to get into the shop. Remember, as much as we all want to get in and work on projects, it is important that we do so in a way that keeps everyone safe. 

ILLNESS: If you are feeling unwell, or have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, please STAY HOME. If you have already been in the shop and suspect that you have…

As most of you have heard by now, Governor Walz has extended the stay at home order to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. In light of this announcement, we will not be reopening the shop on May 4th.

In the meantime, the board of directors and shop managers are putting together a more detailed plan on what reopening will look like. We may also offer another round of project/materials pick-up time slots before May 18th.

Stay tuned for future updates.

-President Becca

While we remain closed in compliance with the Illinois stay-at-home order, a small and dedicated team of volunteers has been busy producing PPE at Pumping Station: One for Chicago’s front line health care workers and vulnerable populations.

You can make a tax-deductible donation to support our PPE production by clicking the button below. Keep reading to learn more and to join the effort by making PPE at home!

PS1 has made over 2,500 3D printed face…

Speed up your fabrication rates with this simple transparency press & drilling rig. Like many of you, we’re 3D printing PPE face shields for our local healthcare workers and faced a surprising bottleneck — laser cutter cycle time. Our fastest cycle time with two 60 Watt laser cutters was about one minute & 45 seconds for 5 transparencies.

The rig below lets us prep thousands of transparencies in just a couple of hours. We can now drill stacks of 100 in about less than a minute. Some tips: Drill…