Digital designs come to life layer by layer in 3D printing club

By Ana Gamez • March 19, 2026

Downstairs in the Industry Technology Education Center building, there are over a dozen 3D printers that are free to use for students who are members of the 3D printing club, or who are taking Computer Aided Design (CAD) classes.

3D printers and supplies are pictured in the Industry Technology Education Center on Tuesday, March 10. (Ryan Hirabayashi | The Union)

Austin Allred, 19, is mechanical engineering major who ecided to explore a new hobby: 3D printing.

Now, Allred, as chair member for the 3D printing club, alongside president Chris Florez oversaw their first meeting on Thursday, March 12, by showing new members a SolidWorks 3D personalized keychain demo led by Florez.

“More and more people are interested in [3D printing] and I think it’s going to have a bright future,” CAD professor and club advisor Vince Phamdo said.

The invention of the printers is credited to Charles Hull who, in the early 80s, created one of the first three-dimensional printing system, according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

As the industry grows, the club grows.

“It sounded interesting and I wanted to be involved in more clubs. [CAD] was so intimidating, but the president seems to be using it with ease, so if he can do it then I can do it,” 20-year-old computer science major Yemaya Flores said.

El Camino College student and 3D printing club member, Jordi Lora, a mechanical engineering major, designs a medieval castle phone stand in the Industry Technology Education Center on Tuesday, March 10. Lora is working on a few other projects and has been involved with the club for his two years at El Camino College. (Ryan Hirabayashi | The Union)

Calista Yeh, 17, a civil engineering major, enjoys being a member because she likes to build things. She’s looking forward to working on printing and designing buildings and infrastructure.

“It was kinda hard in the beginning…I’m also taking a 3D class now and that also helped,” Yeh said.

The printers use polylactic acid filament, or PLA filament, that is heated and pushed through the printer nozzle to gradually build the digital designs.

“The first time I printed something, I thought it was so cool,” said Flores. “I brought it home to show my parents. I was like, ‘Look what I made.’ They had never seen that technology before, they were amazed by it.”

3D printed mini tug boats are placed throughout the room in the Industry Technology Education Center on Tuesday, March 10. (Ryan Hirabayashi | The Union)

Through CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Inventor Pro, CATIA and AutoCAD, which all have their own version of an introductory course, the possibilities for creation are endless.

“These programs…go for thousands of dollars, and down here in our basement room, we have them all on our desktop and people can use them for free,” Florez said.

The CADD department has access to a total of 17 professional 3D printers. They allow the 3D printing club to utilize two to three printers during their meeting times on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the ITEC building, Room 33.

The club receives funding through the El Camino Inter-Club Council and through independent fundraising events.

CAD software can be used for a variety of industries including aerospace, automotive, engineering. The club welcomes students from all majors and disciples.

“I fell in love with it, it’s a really fun way for me to express my creativity while also gaining relevant experience for my major,” Allred said.

The club’s next project will be a collaboration with the Southbay Aerospace Makers club as they design a drone body with 3D-printed components, aerodynamics and wiring.

“Just a year ago, I knew nothing, I had no idea what was going on. But that’s how it goes when you try and learn something new,” Allred said.