GE launched FirstBuild, a makerspace to create the next generation of appliances, in Louisville, Kentucky. The microfactory is in partnership with the University of Louisville and Local Motors, an open source hardware platform.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
Bre Pettis is the CEO of MakerBot, which is owned by Stratasys.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
MakerBot is the leading desktop 3D printer manufacturer. The company just started selling their products in certain Home Depot.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
MakerBot’s printers are FDM, which means they use plastic to create 3D models and products.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
Bre Pettis spoke to the audience at the opening about the future of 3D printing and how it will help the process of micro-manufacturing that will take place at FirstBuild.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
“Never stop making,” Bre Pettis wrote on the MakerBot that he signed.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
FirstBuild will be a home for the community, which includes students, makers, enthusiasts, and engineers. They can come with their ideas for smart home appliances and work on making them a reality.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
The FirstBuild lab is full of 3D printers and power tools so that the community can actually start to build working prototypes of their ideas.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
People can pitch their ideas through the FirstBuild website, which is open to people all around the world. Users can vote on the ideas they like, and the winners can utilize the FirstBuild facilities and hopefully get their products to market.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
This water jet machine is used to cut six-inch thick steel for the projects made at FirstBuild.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
GE held a challenge to build a micro-kitchen. There were several winners from around the world, who pitched ideas to build a kitchen that will work in small spaces because of our crowded, growing cities.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
These were 3D printed using a Stratasys computer, which was running throughout the event.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
These objects were 3D printed for the event as well.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
The FirstBuild office was almost completely finished, with the exception of a few areas. It will be open to the public from now on, and students at U of L will utilize the space in the fall when school starts.
SEE: GE’s FirstBuild facility opens its doors (CNET)
Lyndsey Gilpin is a former Staff Writer for TechRepublic, covering sustainability and entrepreneurship. She's co-author of the book Follow the Geeks.
