In the global pandemic, Christian Nunez, a second-year plant science student from West Covina, launched an online business that replicated the iconic CLA building in Cal Poly Pomona. Nunez suffers from mental health problems caused by the health crisis and the transition to virtual learning. He found that this business keeps his mind away from epidemics, which is a positive distraction.
Nunez said that when “mandatory days, weeks and months of all-weather ordering at home, if it is not for keeping your mind active and healthy, the days will become blurred together,” Nunnis said. “At the time, mental health was not only my top priority, but also a prerequisite for survival in an era of uncertainty and mental stress.”
Nunez began to produce and sell 3D printed models of the CLA building. On July 18th, his Flipped Dimension store officially opened on Etsy.
Three CLA-based products can be purchased – models, keychains and pencil cases.
Due to its strong presence on campus, Nunez chose to rebuild the CLA building. “I chose the CLA building because it is too unique to model it. Not only is it unique on campus, but it also attracts a lot of attention, and it represents the eternal and static in CPP. I have been paying attention to students throughout the year, throughout the four years,” he said.
The main goal before opening the store was to use the photo of the senior architect Antoine Predock of the building as a guide to grasp the similarities of the CLA building on a miniature scale.
In the initial planning stage, Nunez first used synthetic software programs such as Fusion and Tinkercad to draw the foundation of the building. After carefully studying the shape and images of the CLA building, he made sure that his digital prototype is exactly similar to the building. However, in the process of creating the model for the first time, Nunez explained that he faced scaling issues and printing errors.
Since Nunez’s priority is quality, he used wood wool to print the model, which best reflected the overall tone and texture of the CLA building. After taking out the model from the printer, he uses a screwdriver to remove unnecessary debris and uses a blowtorch to shrink the excess filament. He then polished the model to obtain a uniform appearance and perfect the final appearance. After completion, the model will be cleaned and ready for shipment, with a business card and a set of stickers.
According to Nunez, the CPP community played an important role in his business because he often turned to the university’s subreddit and other social media platforms to get feedback on his model.
“I had shown some test prints on Cal Poly’s subreddit to gauge interest, and I had a lot of positive feedback and excitement,” he said. “I used that interest and feedback, such as one commenter who suggested that I make a pencil holder. Fast forward to the future and it turned out to be my most successful product.”
Nunez had never planned to create a 3D printing business before, because he initially planned to pursue a career in managing large botanical gardens. Nonetheless, Nunez is very happy that his passion for creative projects and previous experience with 3D printers have allowed him to start an online business.