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Bringing a new technology to the Rogue Valley Mall, Ron and Carolyn Triplett say the people who trickle in to their newly opened iPrint 3D Studio each day are equal parts serious enthusiasts and curious newbies. Opened this summer, specializing in selling 3D printers, parts and 3D-printed objects, IPrint 3D Studio was born out of curiosity and a desire to educate. The couple, who both have “day jobs,” say they became interested in the printing technology when their son delved into 3D printing and engineering classes during high school. With 3D printing becoming more mainstream and affordable, the couple say most enthusiasts seem to keep quiet about their side hobby despite the myriad uses for the technology. “When we got into 3D printing, it seemed like there was nobody to talk to. We read reviews and did some research. Now that we’re opened, we have so many people coming in,” Carolyn said. “I think it’s like being able to fix cars or be a plumber. You don’t want to tell people because then they’ll be like, “Hey, can you fix my car? Can you 3D print this for me?” Excited to offer classes to teach 3D printing and electronic technology for students and local hobbyists, the couple have a variety of printers and print mediums and added a once-defunct Radio Shack storefront to their upstairs shop. One of just two Radio Shacks in the state, the Radio Shack offerings meld well with 3D printing — to create movable and motorized objects — and have also been popular with ham radio and drone flying hobbyists who make or fix their own equipment. On the 3D printing front, class lineup for the upstairs storefront include titles like homemade batteries, basic electronics, door alarms and soda can cars. Carolyn said customer ideas and trade magazines show new uses — and class ideas — for 3D printers almost daily. While the go-to material for 3D printing would seem to be plastic, other materials include everything from rubber- and silicone-like materials to composites that mirror wood or copper, and carbon fiber metal type materials that are magnetic for certain electronic applications. “We have one made of coffee byproducts that’s a pretty brown, almost vinyl, it smells like coffee while its printing,” Carolyn said. “All the print mediums are nontoxic and biodegradable, mostly made from corn starch. We don’t want to fill the landfills up with a bunch of plastic.” While 3D printed guns have made national headlines this year, the couple say they would never allow guns to be printed on their equipment, nor would it be practical. “There’s been a lot of publicity about the 3D printing gun issue which, unintentionally, coincided with our store opening,” she said. “A lot of people are curious but that’s not something our store would be used for.” Ron stressed the safety issue that would come with such a project. “We have not printed guns, nor will we, except maybe Nerf guns if we go down that road. It’s not safe. ABS (a plastic material used in 3D printing) prints at about 180 degrees Celsius. Guns can produce a lot more heat than that, so you’d just be asking for trouble,” he said. “Your normal hobbyist that we serve is not out to print 3D guns.” With news headlines showing 3D printing uses for everything from buildings to prosthetics, the couple readily admit the possibilities are endless. Locally, customers come in seeking replacements for broken plastic parts, mouse pads, camping gear, phone cases and replacement or add-on game pieces for games ranging from Monopoly to cosplay. Lost a chess piece or a monopoly shoe? Need to replace a broken piece of plastic in your car? 3D printing is the solution, said the couple. A boost for 3D printers, the couple encourage hobbyists to check out Thingiverse.com, a site dedicated to the sharing of mostly free user-created digital designs for 3D printing and other platforms. Just a quick glance at the site reveals everything from fishing rod holders and car tire valves to elaborate masks, vacuum cleaner attachments and even parts for 3D printers themselves. “They literally have thousands of objects from Nintendo controller covers and switch stands cosplay pieces to cable management systems,” said Carolyn. In addition to offering printer equipment and materials and 3D printing services, the couple hopes their classes will educate community members on the hows and whys of 3D printing. Class offerings will expand based on demand and changing technology. “We’re just kind of along for the ride. It’s something new every day in terms of things people ask us to do or things they’re curious about,” she said. “It’s pretty amazing. Basically, if you can think it, you can print it.” Online: iprint3dstudio.com You can reach freelance writer Buffy Pollock at [email protected] .