Glinyani Consulting is a woman-owned small business that opened in Bozeman in February of 2012. Once I realized what a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science can do with new technology it was time to jump into 3D PRINTING! This came about after six years of research in the aerospace and materials development communities, and five years of consulting at a variety of companies in Bozeman.

3D printing has three primary processing methods: powder and binder, fused deposition, and laser curing. Each process has a variety of materials that can be used. The engineering aspect is knowing which process and which material are right for the job. The most common materials in the industry today are plastics and metals. To create a final part, both of these processes use a laser to cure (set) the materials. Plastics can also be fused together - think of a computer-controlled glue gun.

Who can use this technology? Anyone can come into my office and set up their own print. If you have never used a Computer Drafting Program before I am happy to assist you with your design needs. I work with architects, engineers, and entrepreneurs. If you want to play with a 3D printer, head over to the Children’s Museum of Bozeman and see what the kids there are dreaming up. The museum hosted their first 3D printing camp for kids in August. Kids learned how to use a simple 3D design program to make a Lego™ brick and their own brick top.

Gallatin College is working on putting together a 3D printing course to partner with their new Machining program that launched this fall. They are predicting a module to be available in 2015. At this time it will show students how to maintain machines and design projects for printing architectural models or rapid prototype engineering designs.  

Contact Janet Glenn, at Glinyani Consulting to start your 3D printing project today! www.glinyaniconsulting.com