David Morabito used the HS/HSL Innovation Space to learn about 3D printing and modeling. After taking our Introduction to 3D Modeling workshop, David designed an extension to his iPhone case that helps keep the phone stationary on his car dashboard for navigation. He enjoyed the experience and began browsing online 3D model repositories like Thingiverse.com for more models to print.
With the holidays fast approaching, and a personal budget typical for college students, David realized he could leverage the inexpensive cost of printing at the HS/HSL Innovation Space to make fun gifts for family and friends.
We sat down with David to get some suggestions for models that make cool gifts. Here's what he had to say.
Five Models on Thingiverse That Make Great Holiday Gifts, by David Morabito
Travel Chess Set - For those who will be traveling this holiday season, what better to have than a travel chess set?!
GoPro Hand Held Mount - Every GoPro enthusiast is always looking for a unique mount to use for their next movie, try this one!
Yeti Mug Handle - Coffee is essential in the morning, so you bought a Yeti mug. But when you are in a rush to work the Yeti lacks the handle you so desperately need. Print one out for a friend in need!
Butter Pig - This is a brilliant invention that makes spreading butter over anything fun!
David (left) is a first year dental student with a BS in biology from Radford University. He is following in the footsteps of his father who has a dental practice in Virginia.
3D print your own holiday-themed 3D model at the HS/HSL Innovation Space. We've pulled together a selection of models that relate to diverse cultural and religious communities to help get you started. There will also be a raffle for a chance to win a Shapeways gift card. Stay tuned for more details coming soon!
The Innovation Space is designed for innovative and collaborative hands-on learning experiences. It offers three 3D printers, two 3D scanners, over 3,500 video tutorials from Lynda.com (available on-site only), a plotter for poster printing, Google Cardboard viewers, a large DNA model, two molecule kits, a button maker, and a 3D printing pen. The staff provides orientations as well as workshops on a regular basis for those who are new to 3D printing and 3D scanning.
David (left) is a first year dental student with a BS in biology from 
