Somerset community celebrates future of 3D printing with sturdy unit

SOMERSET, Ky. (FOX 56) — 3D printing has come a long way, and now it’s becoming a realistic and cost-effective way to build new resources.

State and local leaders came to Somerset Community College to celebrate the future of 3D printing. Everyone was in awe of the unit known as the Floodbuster1, a full-scale 3D printed building that’s built to last. Eric Wooldridge is the director of the additive manufacturing center for the KCTCS (Kentucky Community and Technical College System) at Somerset Community College.

“Most of my staff are students, which is pretty cool to begin with. We actually have interns on-site right now who have been in the process. Even some of our former students who work for the University of Kentucky in additive manufacturing are here,” Wooldridge said.

Floodbuster1 is built to withstand the elements, which is a big topic of discussion after the recent tornado that ripped through the area. Not only are these units designed to be easy to customize, but they’re also meant to be safe no matter what comes.

“Now it’s designed to actually be able, using high-end energy engineering analysis, designed to actually take the forces that might occur from a flood or tornado, but also give you the flexibility to say, you know what, I love to have a curved wall right here,” Wooldridge said.

For the students who worked on this, it’s meant to be a way to prepare them for a future where mass-scale 3D printing becomes the norm. Dr. Ryan Quarles is KCTCS president. Quarles said the Floodbuster 1 is a sign of great potential with these students.

“We’re so proud that Somerset Community College is leading Kentucky in creating new high-tech, affordable 3D-printed housing. What you see behind us is really the first step to prove to Kentucky that our community colleges are leading the way on innovation, but also, we’re creating high-tech jobs for the future,” Quarles said.

The Floodbuster 1 is just the start, and the next step is making something the community can look forward to using.

“That would be the Floodbuster 2. The RFQ with the Bluegrass Veterans Ranch, which is right down the road, will actually be the first one that’s lived in and occupied. It will probably be more of the same floor plan. Then, Floodbuster 3, 4, and 5, probably with Habitat for Humanity, will be the first residences.”