Dayton’s Proto BuildBar Invites You to Make, 3D Print, and Have a Drink or Two

As 3D innovations and technology move forward at rocket speed, a smorgasbord of 3D design and 3D printing technology and machines abound. Now, with a veritable buffet of 3D printing ideas—and 3D printers—put right in front of you at Proto BuildBar—you can overdose to your mind’s delight on Thingiverse designs, quiz technical experts on the scene, all while grabbing a coffee or relaxing and having a brew with your buddy.

While this might be old hat for some of the science and engineering crowd out there, it’s a concept that is not only fun but also mindblowing for those who want to stop in for a drink and check out what all the 3D fuss is about.

With the slogan ‘Print, Make, Drink’ the Proto BuildBar will be taking a new generation from technogeek to technocool, and a wave of similar of technology loving establishments is sure to follow.

Owned by Chris Wire of Real Art digital and physical creative agency, he’s no stranger to innovative designs and idea, and may even have plans for expanding the Proto BuildBar into other major cities, where it should fit in perfectly. Pegged as ‘a bar for the new generation,’ Proto BuildBar opened in late October and has been a big hit with the techno-savvy scene who is enjoying the mixture of making, socializing, and soldering while sharing a few libations.

I’m sure the burning question from most clientele is just this: how long can we stay? The clientele can eat, drink, build electronics, learn about CAD design, 3D print, get advice from a very experienced staff, and just hang out and have fun. Created from an old dance studio, the bar features many different 3D printers, with seven MakerBot Replicator 2 printers in the mix, as well as 3D scanners.

Situated in downtown Dayton, OH, the Proto BuildBar lists hundreds of thousands of existing 3D models on their menu for 3D printing. Patrons can choose from the existing menu of 3D models and can even bring their own from home—in essence, renting a 3D printer there at the bar rather than purchasing one. With a wall of 3D printers and a bevy of filament rolls just waiting to be used, it’s a world of 3D printing just for you, in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Priced like pizza, your very affordable 3D model will cost you depending on whether you choose small, medium, or large.

While many of us look at 3D printing now and realize its simple, unlimited brilliance, the world didn’t see it coming for the most part. Now it all makes sense—just as the techno lounge café hybrid does now that it’s here with a recipe for relaxing, feeding the mind, and stoking the creative spirit.

Professing to serve a clientele ranging from elementary school to the octogenarian scene, the creation of the tech lounge is one more wave of the future that will have plenty of business owners envious that they didn’t think of it first.

Have you ever seen or heard of anything like the Proto BuildBar? Is this an establishment you would frequent if one were nearby? Tell us about it in the 3D Printing Proto BuildBar forum over at 3DPB.com.