Somerset Community College has launched a program using 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, to give new skills to individuals in two small businesses that have a humanitarian focus. Wooldridge says one business employs survivors of human trafficking and the other markets products made by Eastern Kentucky artisans. The other group is Refuge for Women, a national outreach program that actually helps pull women from the human trafficking market and then give them retraining, reintegration to society and a completely new experience on life. Wooldridge: The goal with them is to take 3d printing and first help them improve their manufacturing process. Red Bird Mission, we will be working with them training the artisans to do 3D printing, so that they can actually enhance their artistic works. Wooldridge: The great thing about 3D printing is that there’s a whole host of materials that it could be made with. You know, 3D printing is it’s amazing for improving rockets and cars.
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