American Business & Technology University has announced it plans to launch a public 3D printing lab for training and public use.

“It’s a great way to get creativity sparked in young people,” Lute Atieh, ABTU Chief Operations Officer said. “There’s really hundreds of uses for all industries.  Anything from of course the art and design industry to veterinary clinics and even the medical applications of this are big.”

It is the first 3D printing lab in Northwest Missouri available to the public to use and learn from.

“As far as classes go we’re going to do everything from a two hour workshop all the way into a six month program that now only touches on the 3D printer at the technology but also touches on the design pieces,” Atieh said.

The 3D printing lab consists of 10 printer stations and is located at the university’s headquarters in the historic Wyeth Mansion at 1018 W. Saint Maartens Drive (north of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce).

3D printing specialists from California were on location Monday and Tuesday to assist in the installation of printers and to train staff members.

Pat Ryan is a 3D printing specialist and said this is just the beginning of the public utilizing the new technology.

“The patents have expired so that’s why you’re just now seeing the 3D printer hit the general public,” Ryan said. “These will become cheap enough and one of these days you will have one of these in your house just like you would a microwave.”

Ryan said eventually instead of running to the store to pick up a piece of hardware you will be able to simply download the design and print it at home.

Atieh said classes will start at ABTU in the Spring of 2015.  However, people looking to get on a waiting list can do so by checking out the University’s Facebook Page and asking to be put on a list.