The NYU Tisch School of the Arts ITP/IMA Makerspace Lab has redefined what it means to integrate technology, design, and education. Thanks to 3DPrinterOS, a cloud-based 3D printer management software, the makerspace has transformed a once chaotic 3D printing environment into a streamlined, data-driven hub of innovation.
Serving more than 600 students across NYU Tisch’s Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP), Interactive Media Arts (IMA) undergraduate program, and a low-residency master’s program, the makerspace offers everything from virtual reality installations to open-source medical devices.
But just a few years ago, the space’s 3D printing setup was messy. With only three printers and no centralized system for tracking usage or maintenance, the lab struggled with waste, inequity, and inefficiency. “It was chaos,” said Phil Caridi, shop manager and faculty advisor. “Students monopolized machines. Material use was unchecked. We had no way to monitor or manage it all.” That changed with the adoption of 3DPrinterOS. “3DPrinterOS gave us structure without sacrificing creativity. It’s like gaining a staff member without hiring one.”
With 3DPrinterOS, the lab introduced a transparent, equitable system for 3D printer access. Students now follow time limits, are restricted to one printer at a time, and are grouped by skill level to promote responsible printing. Metrics like material usage and project history are tracked in real-time, helping staff optimize resources and justify budget needs.
This transformation enabled the lab to expand its printer fleet from three to nine, plus one offsite unit for exhibitions and maker events. The new system also supports large-scale, impactful projects like an open-source MRI unit, designed for use in remote or underserved areas, using only basic CNC tools and 3D printers, and Project Mjolnir, an adaptive mountain bike for differently-abled riders, designed with modular components and real-time sensor data to improve usability and comfort.
Beyond technology, these projects emphasize equity, sustainability, and real-world impact – core tenets of the makerspace’s mission. The lab is also piloting sustainable practices like acrylic and PLA recycling, furthering its commitment to closing the waste loop.
Caridi, a former bicycle mechanic turned educator and engineer, views the makerspace as a crucible for growth, not just in technical skill, but in empathy, design thinking, and collaboration. “Failure here isn’t a setback; it’s part of the process,” he said. “This space gives students the confidence to try, fail, and try again.”
