Warner Bros. Technology Solutions employees participated in a 32 Hour 3D Printing Hackathon on May 11-12th!

Over 20 AXIOM 3D printers were used during this incredible event!
Airwolf 3D staff were on site to offer training, inspiration and technical assistance during the event.

Want to get a glimpse of the training offered before the 3D Printing Hackathon? Here is a video /quiz that you can also take: http://zapt.io/tubmmys5

Warner Bros. approach to exploring 3D printing technology is revolutionary. As 3D printer manufacturers and vendors, we see firsthand how some companies adopt desktop 3D printers into their creative processes. Some like to assign a 3D printer to one interested engineer to tinker and evaluate for possible integration without much direction. Other companies simply place the 3D printer on an employee’s desk and say, “learn this and see if it can help us,” despite the employee’s lack of interest or time. Yet others will begin to bring this very useful tool into the workplace only after several 3D printer enthusiasts have pleaded a strong case.

Warner Bros. on the other hand, has taken a very wise approach. The company invited all employees to participate in a voluntary 32 hour 3D Printing Hackathon. Participants where challenged to design and 3D print a new thing that could be useful at work. The level of participation was unprecedented. WB was pleasantly surprised that 17 teams of brilliant designers, engineers, and all around innovators signed up for the challenge! Together with Airwolf 3D, about 125 of these brave hackers learned about 3D printing and set out on the morning of May 11th to design and make their prototypes. They worked tirelessly throughout the night and until the late afternoon of the 12th.

The benefits of this 3D Printing Hackathon:
• It quickly identified key pioneers at the company with the desire to learn and embrace 3D printers in their workplace.
• It avoided feelings of a new technology being “forced” on staff.
• Prevented the potential financial burden of placing additive manufacturing equipment in departments where it might simply collect dust.
• It was a positive team building experience, filled with creativity, innovation and cross-collaboration among various departments.

What cool things did the participants make? Well, we can’t tell you, as that would be giving away secrets. What we can tell you is that the Warner Bros. participants came up with some seriously cool ideas that we had not seen before – and we have seen just about everything. Keep watching Warner Bros. productions and keep your eyes peeled for 3D printed inventions!

Transporting 20 machines, accessories and staff members was not an easy endeavor, however it was all well coordinated and the Airwolf 3D team had a blast at the Warner Bros. studios. Our seasoned Wolfpack is well familiar with the film industry and has helped with many projects, including the hit TV series “Bones“, and the film “Interstellar“.

We loaded up the 3D printers into the Airwolf 3D RV on May 10th, but before doing this, we took the opportunity to make a giant wall of 3D printers and take a few pictures. Airwolf 3D provided a memento to all the participants, it was of course 3D printed! Here are a few photos of the Hackathon event:

Airwolf 3D prides itself in building the best desktop 3D printer for professional and educational use. We enjoy making 3D printers, teaching and inspiring new users and most importantly, we consult with companies and schools to identify their unique uses for this equipment. If your company would like to host a Hackathon and learn more about YOUR competitive advantage, please drop us an email: info@airwolf3d.com.

Best Regards,
The Wolfpack.