Meetup Creator Spotlight: Joan Horvath
3D printing has been around since the 80s with initial purpose of creating prototypes for product development. Now 3D printing is used within various industries, from aerospace to costume design. With 3D printers becoming more accessible, there is a greater interest in creating our own models, exploring cost-effective ways to build, and experimenting with the concept of 3 dimensions.
Joan Horvath and Rich “Whosawhatsis” Cameron co-organize Pasadena 3D Printing Meetup to discuss everything on 3D printing. I met up with Joan Horvarth for a quick interview about the subject and the meetup.
Here is a quick background on them. 3D printing was becoming mainstream, but creating a design using a software program was too complex to learn. This led to their co-founding Nonscriptum LLC to provide consulting and training to educators and scientists on maker technology. They also co-wrote six books to explain and teach 3D printing in easy and accessible ways to anyone who is starting out 3D printing.
During our interview, I asked Joan, “why 3D printing?” She responded that it’s not just for product design anymore. It provides educators new ways to teach. It is cost-effective and with open sources available, anyone can input codes to create almost anything they want. While it isn’t as simple as hitting a “print button”, Joan stressed, “it’s just fun!”
When I sat down with Joan, she brought models to share. The different-shaped models on the left each holds the same volume. It’s a great way for educators to demonstrate their lessons, especially for those who provide tactile lessons. The photo in the middle is my favorite. At first, I assumed they were water ripples. I was wrong. Joan explained that these two planes are “models of gravitational waves from neutron stars colliding, at different times after the collision” (Joan is also an aeronautical engineer!). Joan’s favorite is the white flower because of its complex structure, which actually incorporates a simple model of plant growth.
Joan explained that the purpose of Pasadena 3D Printing Meetup is to provide a space for people to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and learn beyond the basics. Every month, they bring in guest speakers to do a talk on specific topics. Then there is an opportunity for attendees to network and show and tell their projects.
Even though their meetup is less than one year old, they already have 435 members and it’s still growing.
The meetup includes all levels of experience. Some attendees work with 3D printers professionally, some attendees enjoy 3D printing for fun, and there are always attendees who are just curious about 3D printing. When I asked Joan about her favorite meetups up to date, she responded, “all meetups because each one is different. New concepts are introduced. And the party is always fun!”
And that is what you can expect at the next meetup on August 14 at Supplyframe DesignLab. The topic is on how TVIs (Teachers of the Visually Impaired) get creative when doing tactile lessons for the students. All attendees are welcome to join.
You can find Joan and Rich’s books on Amazon. For more information about the Pasadena 3D Printing Meetup, visit here.
Innovate Pasadena supports meetups and organizers who are looking to share knowledge and discuss topics that drive our innovation economy forward and enrich the community. Visit our webpage for more meetups and apply to become a Meetup Creator.
