3D Physics

What is this?

I have created a website for free downloadable 3D print files for a variety of Physics related accessories.  Search "fratiepj" on thingiverse.com for more designs.

Why did you do this?

Science equipment is expensive!  Equipment to build science equipment is expensive!  Most high schools no longer have a machine or wood shop!

Fortunately, more and more schools are getting 3D printers, giving the average Physics teacher the ability to make equipment at a fraction of the cost of purchasing it.

But I don't know CAD, and don't have the time to learn it.

Who am I?

I am the Physics lab/demo/shop guy in the Natural Science Collegium at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida and a member of the Physics Instructional Resource Association (PIRA).

Eckerd College is a liberal arts college with an enrollment of 1800 students located on a 188 acre waterfront campus on the southern tip of Pinellas County.

Before coming to Eckerd, I spent 15 years in the Engineering field, mostly in new product design.  I have experience designing everything from welding torches (Lincoln Electric) to fire trucks (Pierce Manufacturing).

Interspersed throughout my Engineering career, I spent a total of 8 years as a high school Physics teacher.

Learning CAD basics is not that difficult, especially if you recruit a student to learn it for you.  There is plenty of free (for educators anyway) CAD software out there. If you want to learn, I can give you tips on how to start.

Fortunately, files on this website can be downloaded  and loaded directly into the 3D printer software with no need for CAD software or experience. 

I don't know how to run a 3D printer.

If your school has a 3D printer, somebody (probably a student) knows how to use it. 

I have a great idea!

If you have an idea or know of a piece of Physics related demo equipment that might be printable but don't know CAD, let me know.  I have decades of CAD and design experience, and can quickly produce a 3D model. Chances are if it is something you want, other teachers (including myself) will want it too!