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November 21, 2023

Jetclay Academy Workshop: Learn how to use an open source ceramic 3D printer

Would you like to explore the world of ceramic 3D printing to apply it to your creative projects? In the Jetclay Academy – Maker to Market Bootcamp – Open Source 3D Printing with Ceramics workshop, we will delve into the construction and use of open source ceramic 3D printers, led by Jetclay. This international platform specializes in the development of open source 3D printing tools for the fields of industrial design, architecture, interior design, and the plastic arts.

The workshop is designed to bring 3D printing with ceramic materials closer to creative profiles, using the open tools of the JetClay studio. Participants will receive personalized support so they can begin to adopt ceramic 3D printing in their creative field. Additionally, the workshop will help explore new business strategies adapted to the changing contexts of manufacturing and selling products and services in the cultural and creative industries sectors.

What is the content of the workshop?

The workshop will focus on the process of building and using a low-cost ceramic 3D printer. To do this, participants will be able to use the new Jetclay mini model, a desktop printer that is being launched for the first time for this workshop, with six available units.

In the first phase, attendees will explore the open source documentation to build the machine, with the help of its creators. From there, they will be introduced to the use of the tool and the specific characteristics of printing with clay, very different from printing with plastic materials.

Finally, they will be able to create their own piece, using the Jetclay mini, as well as the large format Jetclay printer that is part of the Fab Lab Bilbao equipment.

Workshop learnings

Participants will receive support from an interdisciplinary team to incorporate tools such as ceramic 3D printing into their designer toolkit and develop a prototype.

They will delve into the basics of building a Jetclay ceramic 3D printer in open source, as a first step to explore the potential of these tools and be able to build their own in the future, with the support of the Jetclay platform.

The creative projects developed throughout the workshop will be promoted through Espacio Open events at its facilities in the Old Cookie Factory, as well as within Distributed Design, Fab Lab Bilbao, and Maker Faire networks.

Who can participate?

The workshop is aimed at profiles related to design, the maker world and creation who are interested in adopting ceramic 3D printing technologies in their processes, and in exploring new business strategies linked to cultural and creative industries.

We are looking for participants who have design, art or craft projects, as well as people linked in some way to Fab Labs and the maker movement. The call is aimed at emerging talents, both professionals and amateurs or students in the process of professionalization. Although previous experience in ceramic materials or 3D printing will be valued, prior technical knowledge is not necessary to carry out the workshop.

Maker to Market Bootcamp is an initiative of Espacio Open and its digital manufacturing laboratory Fab Lab Bilbao, integrated into Distributed Design, a project co-financed by the Creative Europe program of the European Union to promote and improve connections between makers and designers within the European market, taking advantage of the multiple potential synergies that working in the Fab Labs network and the context of the maker movement in general allows.

Selection of proposals

A panel made up of representatives from Espacio Open, Jetclay Academy and the Distributed Design platform will select the projects to be developed among the proposals received. A total of between 6 and 8 proposals will be selected to participate in the workshop. Jetclay Academy Maker to Market Bootcamp – Open Source 3D printing with ceramics will take place within Maker Faire Bilbao 2023 at the Antigua Fábrica de Galletas Artiach, Zorrotzaurre (Bilbao).