National eyes on Youngstown's 3-D printing this weekend

YOUNGSTOWN

For one weekend all eyes of those interested in 3-D printing at home are watching Youngstown to see the results of testing organized by the staff of Make: magazine.

More than 20 smaller 3-D printers are being tested to identify the best machines for home 3-D builders.

The America Makes facility is the entire reason the testing was brought to Youngstown this year, said Jason Babler, creative director for Make: magazine.

It’s good that communities are taking up President Barack Obama’s initiative to create cities where things are being made, he said.

Cindy Lum, managing editor of the magazine, said she was surprised to see the number of tech companies in downtown Youngstown.

“This is what I think a lot of other cities want to look like,” Babler said, referring to the tech companies working with America Makes and the Youngstown Business Incubator, along with Turning Technologies.

Just five of the 3-D printers were running for Thursday’s open house event to kick off the Maker City weekend. However, there were crowds of people watching them. Testing won’t start in earnest until Friday.

Read more about the weekend event in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.