Emanuele Martino D’Agostino

I am Emanuele. I come from a small town in the province of Lecce, I am 40 years old. Ever since my mother first bought me a computer I have had a penchant for computer science. Fascinated by this world I immediately learned how to program and consequently assemble the various components and carry out microelectronic repairs. Unfortunately, for personal and family reasons, for a period of my life I had to suspend work/professional activity. With the help of the Emmanuel Community of Salandra in the province of Matera, with whom I shared and still share important moments for my personal recovery, a fundraiser was activated that allowed me to enroll in the course of Autocad/3d lasting one year, during which my passion and competence for 3D printing grew more and more, so much so that I independently built more printers. Currently, thanks to Materahub's interest, I am continuing my personal training activities and that of a trainer.

Q&A

What craft do you work with?

I work mainly with 3D printers and thanks to them I have expanded my hardware workforce, for example I have self-made a laser machine to be able to cut and engrave various materials, I also print small objects that might be useful in everyday life. With 3D printing I’ve been working on it for about 5 years (with continuous upgrades both at the software and hardware level) instead for electronics and microelectronics it’s about 10 years. My favorite technique (if you want to call it that) is the part of assembling various materials. In addition, I do this work because, as premised, I was fascinated from the first moment especially by the idea of “regenerating” various devices (to avoid waste in a circular use of various materials), As my knowledge/professionalism increased I was enticed by the idea of creating and producing an imagined/thought out object and here is explained my approach to 3D machinery.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Until now I have been doing crafts that basically served me only for economic return instead with this craft (even though the economic return may be none or little) I feel my creative abilities are enhanced and it is rewarding for me.
I am very passionate about creation and design (which starts some times from imagination). For me this craft is very important because its developments can branch out into various areas starting from hobby to professional so also for its creations, from small objects to real structures (houses, boats, etc..).
The material I like to use (which I mainly use) is PLA for 3D printers and wood for the laser one.

How do you start your creative process?

My creative process can start from a specific request or my own need.
Initially I imagine the object I will have to make and once defined I draw it on a sheet sketching it and entering the various measurements, then with the various 3d modeling software (Autocad, fusion 360, freecad) I digitally bring it back to the pc, after which the process of the actual creation through printing or laser begins.
The most fun part for me is the initial part when together with my group of comrades we imagine the realization of the object (because at this stage there is a real confrontation with exchanges of ideas and opinions, an extremely creative confrontation process).
The most complex part is the promotion of the object and its sale.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

Currently my workshop is located in Salandra at the Emmanuel Community (previously it was located in Lecce).In my workshop I have numerous tools that I have gradually expanded as needed.
If I had to make a list of priority items, it would be as follows: multimeter, soldering station, bench power supply and screwdrivers, pliers.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I have also always been fascinated by the world of photography and photo editing/photo montage; I currently use some software to edit some images but it is still all basic.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

I have learned over the years that the opportunity to re-purpose appliances or tools that are deemed obsolete or in need of minor repairs (which are currently simply disposed of to make way for new ones) is both ecological and creative because it provides an opportunity to experiment and create something renewed.

What other types of craft do you dream of collaborating with?

My dream is to work in the technical hardware field with dynamic and above all very inventive and competent people.

What professional dream do you have?

Realize myself as an electronics technician and 3D printing.