What’s the top new technology in the creative industry? We say 3D printing!

Team Grain at the workshop

What’s better for a branding team’s annual outing than a hands-on workshop in the creative hub of the capital: Shoreditch? We had a great time learning about 3D printing and laser cutting at makersCAFE and we’re sure this technology will be the biggest thing to hit the creative industry.

According to their website, MakersCAFE is the natural evolution of RazorLAB Online Laser Cutting Platform that founder Soner Ozenc setup in 2009. They opened in August 2014 at the heart of Shoreditch, London. On top of laser cutting and engraving, they now provide 3D printing and scanning services. Through a door you walk into The Old Shoreditch Station for great coffee and cocktails.

The workshop started with the laser cutting specialist talking through the many applications of laser cutting. We learned about the benefits of working with certain materials, and the possibilities of combining laser cutting with 3D printing to produce exceptional three-dimensional objects.

During the presentation, we had the opportunity to ask lots of questions about this new trend in the industry, handle their samples and witness first hand the step-by-step process from uploading your file to sending it out for manufacture. We even made 3D prints of our faces! It was a great experience!

Our graphic designer, Rosalind, said “I am so impressed at how quickly 3D printing technology has advanced since I was at university, when the 3D printer was an amazing new machine that very few universities had.”

Senior designer, Juli, had more thoughts on the experience: “The 3D printing was extremely interesting and it will influence my take on certain projects. Seeing the Maker’s Cafe talk was very interesting, and a good example of where ‘who we are and what we like doing…’ vs ‘what we can do for you…’ approaches can change the impact of a presentation. I also discovered that I don’t like pea martinis.”

Here are some photos of the workshops. Remember to check out the makersCAFE when you’re in Shoreditch!