3-D printing is one of those newish bits of tech that’s been all the rage in recent years.
Need a wrench on the International Space Station? NASA can print that.
Need a car? Local Motors can print one. (Well, a prototype, anyway.)
Want the kidlets to have a cool and unique toy for the holidays? Forget the mall and just print it.
Barry “Butch” Wilmore, commander of Expedition 42 (2014-15) aboard the International Space Station, holds a ratchet wrench made with a 3-D printer on the station. Credit: NASA
At the heart of what makes 3-D printing possible are polymers, various curing methods and a whole lot of chemistry. Breaking all that down will be Paul Lucas, a research and development chemist with 3D Systems in Wilsonville.
Lucas will present “The Chemistry of 3D Printing Materials: Materials Used in Current 3D Printing Technologies” during the Dec. 10 meeting of the American Chemical Society’s Portland Section.
Lucas’ talk will begin at 7:45 p.m. and be preceded by a social time with a presentation on social media at 6 p.m. and then a buffet dinner at 6:45 p.m. All will be held in Reed College’s Vollum Lounge, Vollum Center, 3203 S.E. Woodstock Blvd.
Lucas will give an overview of the various chemistries used in 3-D printing, their associated technologies, ultraviolet curing, extrusion polymers and powder technologies.
The event is open to the public, and dinner costs $20, with discounts available for unemployed ACS members and K-12 teachers and students. Vegan and meat-based options are available for dinner.
For more information and to reserve a meal, go to the event’s page on Google Docs or call ACS Portland at 503-912-4360. Meal reservation deadline is Dec. 8.
— Susannah L. Bodman
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