Library Learning Center Offers Fun With 3D Printing

By CHERYL JENSEN

The Progress

Learning Center librarian Jennifer demonstrates the MakerBot printer Z18 during an Introduction to 3D printing class held at the center last week. PHOTO BY CHERYL JENSEN/The Progress

A group of curious participants gathered at the Mesquite Learning Center (just north of the new library branch) on Thursday July 28, for a 3D printing design club. Class members were given an introduction to 3D printing and the basic steps from design to the finished product known as “Fused Deposition Modeling.”

The center uses Makerbot system equipped with the Replicator+ and the Z18. The Z18’s chamber can be heated and larger shapes can be printed. The Replicator+ has a flexible build plate.

Designs are available at Thingiverse.com. The site has a search tab and plans can be downloaded and used for free. When a student finds something he/she wants printed, they can take the title to the librarian or put it on a thumb drive and the library will assist them in printing it.

Of course, there are time restraints on the printer as it is shared amongst the community. Project must be able to be printed during regular library hours, therefore it cannot take longer than eight hours.

The polylactic acid (PLA) plastic is melted into the shape in layers from the bottom to the top. Creators can stay and watch the printing process; or they can leave it in the hands of the librarians who will call the creators when the project is completed.

A few of the creations made by participants of a 3D print class for kids held at the Mesquite Library Learning Center. PHOTO BY CHERYL JENSEN/The Progress

There is no fee to create a 3D printing project. There are many colors to choose from including gray, brown, purple, pink and green to name a few.

Young designers may schedule a one-on-one time to get help. Or they can walk-in and get assistance. The center sports a large classroom for 3D printing, with plenty of workspace and laptops available for use.

There are kids’ projects that have been downloaded. They can choose a first project and watch it being formed. If you want to design your own project, access to TinkerCAD online is free. It offers basic shapes that can be used, and then edited. Dimensions can be adjusted, resized or text can be added.
Kids can use their math and learn computer-aided design to create.

The next 3D printing class for adults will be held on August 15 at 10:30 am at the Learning Center located at 160 West First North.

Learning Center hours are Monday-Thursday 10 am- 7 pm; Friday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday 1 pm – 5pm.