Computer science major uses 3D printing to support the Mastodon community

Purdue University Fort Wayne sophomore computer science major Keaton Hammack is using his interest in 3D printing to support the Disability Access Center. With permission, he operates his own 3D printer from his room at Student Housing on the Waterfield Campus and donates various items to the DAC.

The shortest project takes 16 minutes. The longest, which is an enormous turtle with a witch hat and a cauldron body that can weigh about 15 pounds, takes a couple weeks. Utilizing multiple colors, he prints using biodegradable plastics.

Part of his fascination, Hammack says, is how his hobby helps him deal with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.

“ADHD is a big part of my life, and I am very open about that,” Hammack said. “Printing gives me kind of a schedule. Whenever I get started on a project, it tells me exactly how much time I have before I can print the next thing, so while I’m waiting, it tells me I can do other things I should be doing. I basically use the printer as a timer to do other things like schoolwork or projects.”

Because he utilizes accommodations in the DAC, Hammack started a relationship with Ryan McCombs, the center’s director. Many of Hammack’s products can serve as fidgets, so he donated a pair of his multi-color dragons to the center’s low-sensory space. He also developed logo taps, squares that people can tap their phones against to be taken online to places like the DAC’s website or Instagram page, or another to the Center for Student Counseling.

McCombs said the DAC uses Hammack’s logo tap creations to streamline and enhance how students connect with essential resources, allowing quick and easy access to information about services, updates, and events.

“Keaton’s ability to not only create but clearly demonstrate the value of his 3D-printed designs highlights their potential impact,” McCombs said. “His vision continues to inspire progress toward a more inclusive and accessible campus environment.”

Hammack said he’s using what he’s learned in his computer science classes to enhance his skills and is currently developing ideas that can be used for interactive online retail.

“I also just started getting into [virtual reality], and I want to make it so people can go in and walk around a store with my items on the shelves where customers can pick them up, interact with them, and move around like they would in real life,” Hammack said.

Halloween is a busy time for Hammack and his 3D printer. His most popular items are small spiders, among other season-themed productions. Last year, he set up singing pumpkins—essentially pumpkins singing Karaoke thanks to a projector—in the pumpkin painting room at Cole Clubhouse.

“Keaton saw the flyer and asked if he could offer this,” said Conner Miller, assistant director for residential education. It helped keep what could have been a silent part of the event more exciting and interactive. Keaton demonstrates some of the very best qualities that PFW students have to offer. He’s selfless, polite, and has a willingness to add back to his community in ways that make it better for all Mastodons.”