NIH Library Technology Sandbox:
3D Printing for Medical Research
NIH & NIH Library
Technology Sandbox (“the Sandbox”)
3D Printing Pilot
• 6-month pilot (June 2 – December 31)
• Goal: assess 3D printing needs at NIH
• Access to Makerbot Replicator 2/2X 3D printers
• Develop an online guide:
http://nihlibrary.campusguides.com/3dprinting
• Customers asked to complete evaluation after print
Tools Used
Makerbot Replicator 2
Makerbot Replicator 2x
Airwolf 3D HD3x
Single extruder
Double extruder
Double extruder
PLA (polylactic acid)
a biodegradable thermoplastic
aliphatic polyester derived
from renewable resources
(e.g. cornstarch)
ABS
(acrylonitrile butadiene
styrene)
Prints using18 different
types of material
On loan from partner
Next generation of 3D printers
at the NIH Library
Models: Rapid Prototyping
Modified Lenses Dish
Modified Chin Rest
Mouse Operant Chamber
Models: Proteins
LAMBDA
Exonuclease
Kaposi's sarcomaassociated herpes
virus protease
vFLIP-IKKgamma complex
Models: Pre and Post Cleanup
Epic Failures
Printer Malfunctions
Extruder repair
Cable repair
Partnerships & Networking
• Vital to pilot
• Formed a 3D printing special interest group and
listserv to promote info sharing and collaboration
• Mutually beneficial relationships:
– Share statistics and usage data
– Knowledge sharing/best practices
– Tools, supplies, software
• Primary Partners:
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–
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NIH Center for Information Technology
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
NIH 3D Print Exchange: http://3dprint.nih.gov
Future Endeavors
• Implement a library (data/info) visualization
program
• Assess evaluation data from 3D printing pilot
• Grow staff competencies in technologies and
software
• Continue to promote the Sandbox to NIH staff
and other customers and build
partnerships/relationships
• Assess NIH’s needs related to collaborative
spaces, emerging, new technologies, etc.
Thank You
James King
NIH Library
Branch Chief/Information Architect
James.King@nih.gov