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3D Printing Ensnared by dFab Net’s Network for Digital Fabrication

Can’t you feel it? The congealing of the 3D printing industry, as it becomes larger, more diverse, and more complex?  As we enter the third industrial revolution and the second 3D printing revolution – the first having taken place in the 80s and 90s – things are starting to become more organized.  There are a growing number of national organizations devoted to the technology and there are new associations forming to ensure that those in the 3D printing field are well connected.  The Digital Fabrication Network (dFab Net) is one of those organizations, reaching out to connect all of us here in 3D Printer Land, as well as those in all arenas of digital manufacturing.

With the stated mission of “interconnect[ing] the digital fabrication community”, dFab Net strives to be a huge, international network of those in fields related to digital manufacturing, including 3D printing.  dFab Net will be a forum where those involved with digital manufacturing from all over can relay information, band together to support mutual interests, plan meetings and conferences, and cooperate on joint projects.  The organization’s president, Bill Kreysler, said, “Design-to-fabrication problems are too complex to tackle alone. Finally there is an organization bringing everyone together to work on these issues.” The group has just begun, but already there are some interesting projects undertaken by some of dFab Net’s members, including the Shell Star Pavilion and the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

Already part of their organization are big names like Autodesk, Robert McNeel & Associates, Topocast, California College of the Arts, University of Texas Schools, and the Institute for Computational Design at the University of Stuttgart.  You, too, can become a member of dFab Net for $95 per year.  If you’re a student, you can obtain a membership for $45 and faculty can join for $75.  It should be noted that there is a $40 initiation fee for non-students.  This membership grants you the following benefits: participation on dFab Net committees, discounted rates for dFab Net events, profile on the dFab Net website, the monthly dFab Net newsletter, dFab Net Annual Summary Report, and a discount on dFab Net job postings.

Source: dFab Net