BIDDEFORD — The invention of 3-D printing has been hailed as the foundation of a new industrial revolution and allows anyone to create three-dimensional products without the expense of traditional manufacturing. And thanks to a generous donation from the Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution, would-be entrepreneurs of all ages can now harness this revolutionary technology at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology.

On Thursday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed the public to a new Makerspace housed in a classroom at the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology on Maplewood Avenue, which will be open to children and adult learners throughout the Biddeford-Saco region and provide them with the use of sophisticated computer programming and 3-D printing to make their dreams a reality.

The Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution Charitable Foundation donated $36,630 to the Biddeford Education Foundation to purchase equipment, materials and hire staff for the first year of the Makerspace. Ongoing expenses are estimated to be about $12,000 per year and could be funded in the future though grants and further donations to the program.

“This Makerspace will expand on the hands-on and skill-based learning environment which many students currently thrive in and provide them with real hands-on practice in engineering disciplines,” said Biddeford Schools Superintendent Jeremy Ray.  “It will be stocked with building materials along with staff to help utilize programming and 3-D printers. We are truly grateful for the financial support by SBSI to make this possible.”

The new Makerspace classroom will be open two days a week during after-school hours and one weekend a month, and Ray said it hopes to expand offerings during school vacations and summer months.

In the 1990s, the term “3-D printing” referred to a process that deposits a binder material onto a powder bed with inkjet printer heads layer by layer. But as the technology evolved, the most common form of 3-D printing now allows for a three-dimensional object to be built from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. The innovative process bypasses the production line assembly that dominated manufacturing starting in the late 19th century.

Ray said that the new Makerspace fits with the ideals of the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology and Biddeford Schools in emphasizing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills with an eye on educating and assisting students in securing 21st century high-tech jobs and careers.

“STEM is a big part of our schools and for job growth for the future,” Ray said. “This is an opportunity to take what is offered here at the Center of Technology every day and make it available to students and their families after school and on weekends for the good of the greater community.

Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution President Robert C. Quentin said this is a worthwhile community project that SBSI is happy to support.

“We write over 400 donation checks to groups and organizations every year, but this is something right here where we can see tangible results,” Quentin said. “It’s nice to be able to support a project like this. We’re proud to be a sponsor of this Center of Technology space which allows for STEM creativity across multiple communities.”

Paulette Bonneau, the Biddeford Regional Director Center of Technology director, said the new Makerspace is a welcome addition and will be a source of pride for both students and the community.

“Our students will pass by here every day and be able to see what’s taking place in the Makerspace,” she said.

Ray said that the Biddeford Education Foundation prominently recognized SBSI for their contribution on a sign outside the Makerspace which will be a constant reminder for students and visitors alike of the institution’s generous support.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com

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