I've been wanting to review some of what there is to do for school-age children + in Berlin for a while now, so I was thrilled to go check out DimensionAlley in Prenzlauer Berg at the weekend. A combined cafe and 3D printing shop, DimensionAlley offers,in addition to general 3D printing, special deals/events for children to learn more about 3D printing...
Before I stepped in to DimensionAlley, I was a total newbie to 3D printing. I saw a 3D printer for the first time last month and have been totally fascinated by the idea of them, but also a little intimidated. Stepping in to the cafe, I felt quickly at ease though. DimensionAlley is run by a husband and wife who, themselves are expat parents in Berlin. You can speak either English or German there no problem and I felt totally at ease to ask any questions I had without feeling stupid.
Whilst visiting, the 3D printer, placed perfectly in the window, was in middle of making an army of little robots, as you can see in the photos above. The cafe is filled with items they've made on their own printers. Each time they've needed something, a sugar scoop for example or a pair of tweezers, they simply make them. How amazing is that?! They even made the super cute ring for me that you can see in the photo above. Just watching the 3D printer in action is inspiring.
If you want to know how the items are made, simply ask. I was shown two different types of software they use, one for beginners like me and another that is more advanced. If you are unsure what you'd like to make, there is a free website you can use to choose from pre-designed items that you can get printed. DimensionAlley also offer the option to turn your own thought-out designs in to 3D printed reality with their design service. Make a paper drawing of what it is you want to have made or describe it in detail and it too can be printed.
If you want to know how the items are made, simply ask. I was shown two different types of software they use, one for beginners like me and another that is more advanced. If you are unsure what you'd like to make, there is a free website you can use to choose from pre-designed items that you can get printed. DimensionAlley also offer the option to turn your own thought-out designs in to 3D printed reality with their design service. Make a paper drawing of what it is you want to have made or describe it in detail and it too can be printed.
Another fun option is that they offer a scanning service where you can have a 3D figure of yourself, or a loved one, made (as long as they can go to the cafe in person to be scanned). In the photo below you can see Norma, one of the owners of the cafe in 3D-printed form. It's a really fun service and they are planning on offering a full-body scan option shortly.
They will offer a number of special activities during the Berlin school-holidays aimed at children and they are also offering special activities for Berlin kitas and schools, so if you think your child's kita/school would be interested, then get in touch, or if you simply want to pop in with your child, go and take a look. They also offer children's birthday parties with prices starting at €15 per head. Definitely a birthday party with a difference.
I am so excited about all the possibilities 3D printing offers. When my oldest is old enough to do more detailed drawings, I can take his drawings to the cafe and get them made in to 3D objects! I can get special, unique presents made for friends and family and I am planning on making a one-off board game to play with my oldest with 3D printed characters! The possibilities are seemingly endless and so much fun!
General printing prices are by the hour and the length of time needed of course depends on the size and density of your design. Simply explain what you want to create and they'll let you know how much it will be. If you have the know-how, you can even design your item at home, save it on to a card or hard-drive and bring it with you to print.
They will offer a number of special activities during the Berlin school-holidays aimed at children and they are also offering special activities for Berlin kitas and schools, so if you think your child's kita/school would be interested, then get in touch, or if you simply want to pop in with your child, go and take a look. They also offer children's birthday parties with prices starting at €15 per head. Definitely a birthday party with a difference.
I am so excited about all the possibilities 3D printing offers. When my oldest is old enough to do more detailed drawings, I can take his drawings to the cafe and get them made in to 3D objects! I can get special, unique presents made for friends and family and I am planning on making a one-off board game to play with my oldest with 3D printed characters! The possibilities are seemingly endless and so much fun!
General printing prices are by the hour and the length of time needed of course depends on the size and density of your design. Simply explain what you want to create and they'll let you know how much it will be. If you have the know-how, you can even design your item at home, save it on to a card or hard-drive and bring it with you to print.
As well as the 3D printing on offer, there is also the cafe part of DimensionAlley. On offer are a selection of hot and cold drinks, cake and some really tasty pasties and New Zealand pies! The hot food did take a while to cook as it was fresh, so give yourself a good amount of time to be there, but it's worth it as it was really tasty and served with one of my favourite things in the world, HP Sauce!!! If you don't like HP Sauce, remember to mention you want your food served without it.
I really loved my time at DimensionAlley and it truly opened my eyes to 3D printing and the possibilities it offers. As a parent, there is so much I can do with it and I can see myself taking both my children there as they get older and are able to learn how to work the software themselves! The surprisingly reasonable printing prices mean I plan on making a lot of 3D presents in the near future and I might even make some more jewellery for myself too!
Don't be scared, head on over to Prenzlauer Berg and check it out for yourself and let me know what you think (and make!)
More photos from the DimensionAlley below:
DimensionAlley
Address: Liselotte-Herrmannstr. 1, 10407 Berlin
Don't be scared, head on over to Prenzlauer Berg and check it out for yourself and let me know what you think (and make!)
More photos from the DimensionAlley below:
DimensionAlley
Address: Liselotte-Herrmannstr. 1, 10407 Berlin
