Monday, 6 October 2025

Innovation at Wyndham Vale Men’s Shed

Over the past year, Wyndham Vale Men’s Shed has been buzzing with creativity thanks to the growing interest in 3D printing. With the guidance of Shed member Peter Gibbons, five of our members have taken up the craft, using their Creality Ender 3 printers to design and produce an impressive range of models.

What started as an introduction to 3D printing has quickly grown into a passion. Members are not only learning how to design and print but are also exploring how to bring their creations to life. Peter has been a key driver in this, adapting group designs by adding electronics and animation. So far, the team has produced everything from Bluetooth-controlled hot rods to experimental robots and even a working bucket conveyor.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Peter set himself a bold new project six months ago: to create a fully robotic, 3D-printed Cadillac Escalade SUV. Using OpenSCAD software, he has been carefully designing every detail of the vehicle to scale in millimetres.

Once complete, this remarkable model will include:

• Functioning doors and bonnet
• Illuminated dashboard
• Plush seating and detailed door inserts
• Remote-controlled driving and steering
• Manually and automatically controlled front and rear lights

This ambitious project is a fantastic example of how technology like 3D printing can spark imagination, encourage learning, and bring people together at the Shed.

We can’t wait to see Peter’s Cadillac come to life and look forward to what the 3D printing team creates next!