A very special lab that will forever be close to my heart, the RPL is a quick-turn fabrication shop in Cornell Engineering’s Upson building. I started working at the RPL as a technician shortly after transferring to the school, and then spent two years as the lab’s manager. Not only did I gain invaluable insight into how to successfully manage people and keep a chaotic lab space running smoothyl, but I was able to introduce many students to 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling and help them with their projects.

I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work in this space and with the wonderful team that made everything work.

Here’s a fun set of memorable print failures and other fuck-ups. The best way to learn is to try and fail!

Cause of death: overextrusion lead to nozzle snagging on print, causing dislocation.

Cause of death: insufficient application of glue stick for first layer adhesion.

Cause of death: improper cool-down time between fast layers.