Like many geeks, I have a 3D printer, and I use it to print things that I find online. Before now, I had only done small modifications to STL files that I found online. I have had two occasions to take my 3D printer usage to a new level.
The first was to create an accessory to my new bidet seat. The bidet came with a rather large and heavy remote control. It came with a wall mount, but I didn’t care much for it. So I did what I’ve been doing a lot of lately: I consulted my intern, Claude. The remote holder was fairly simple. I gave Claude the dimensions of the remote and what I was trying to accomplish. I also gave it an example image I found online of a similar holder. After a few iterations, I had a very usable design.
Today I decided to finally tackle something that I had been meaning to do for at least a year. I have a cheap Walmart table that I use for my laptop when I’m watching TV. At some point, one of the feet popped off and got lost. Several times I searched Printables and other sites looking for a file someone had already made, and didn’t find anything. Finally, I got myself a digital caliper and started measuring. I took measurements of the surviving foot and the metal pipe it goes on. With these measurements in hand, I once again went to my intern.
After a few back and forths with Claude asking questions to clarify, it produced a diagram of what it thought I was describing, and it looked pretty good. I had it create the STL and sent it to the printer. Thirty minutes later, I had a prototype that fit perfectly and fixed my table.
Final Thoughts
The worst that they can say is no. That’s often heard in my team’s chats, and it’s true here. We’re all learning AI rapidly, and the technology is rapidly evolving alongside that learning. Take a chance and ask; you never know how much your intern will exceed expectations.
