During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tim Goodell discovered a passion for 3D printing when he started making face shields for health care workers 鈥 while still in high school.
鈥淎t the time, I 3D printed face shields because health care workers were having an issue with PPE (personal protective equipment),鈥 Goodell said. 鈥淭hat really started it for me. Making things from my computer come to real life is pretty awesome.鈥
Upon arriving at the University of Maine, Goodell was searching for a space where he could continue his hobby while meeting friends when he found the 3D Printing Club. Now as a junior, he serves as the club鈥檚 vice president with an assortment of skills gained from his tenure.
Every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, the club meets in the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center to design and produce figurines based on movie characters, toy cars and boats, mechanical hands, bowls, vases and more. 91福利 a dozen members create digital designs and use industrial printers to make items ranging from fingernail-sized pieces to models as large as 17-cubic feet.
Students in the club work on individual and group projects, maintain equipment and teach new members how to use the printers. As a result, it serves as a collaborative space for learning, problem-solving and teamwork.
Goodell, who has been involved with the club since his first year, said the experience has helped him develop impressive skills he applies beyond the classroom. For example, he recently designed and printed a custom case to mount a Starlink device on top of his car, allowing him to access internet service in remote areas of northern Maine.
鈥淲ithout a 3D printer, I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to make that case,鈥 Goodell said. 鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 have Wi-Fi in the middle of nowhere.鈥
Club President Jack Bernado, a junior who’s studying mechanical engineering, said the experience has strengthened both his leadership and organizational skills.
鈥淚t has made me better at leading a team and being part of a team,鈥 Bernado said. 鈥淚t has helped me be more organized with all the different prints being submitted, as well as all the people to reach out to.鈥
Club members are currently planning a pinewood derby race with cars made of 3D printed parts for the fall 2026 semester.
鈥淲e鈥檒l have our own track, and it鈥檒l be a fun race,鈥 Goodell said. 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to seeing what people make.鈥
The club includes mostly mechanical and electrical engineering students, along with some computer science majors, but Goodell and Bernardo say it is open to anyone interested and willing to show up and learn.
The group meets at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays in Room 337 of the Ferland Engineering Education and Design Center. Students interested in joining the club can contact Bernado at jack.bernado@maine.edu or Goodell at timothy.goodell@maine.edu.
Story by Rowan MacDonald, news intern.
Contact: Marcus Wolf, 207.581.3721; marcus.wolf@maine.edu
