Exploring 3D Printing & Makerspaces
LIS 648
by: Amy Curtis
I have really been enjoying learning about Makerspaces, and think that it's great to include creative places to experiment, design & create in classrooms and libraries! After reviewing Invent to Learn, I did some research and found out about a nearby Makerspace that I could visit. Bonus: this Makerspace also has two 3D printers!
I called the library and was able to stop by outside of open Makerspace hours to take a look for myself and to get some additional information. I visited the Central branch of Chesterfield County Public Library for my first real experience with a Makerspace.
The Library Branch Manager as well as another Librarian were incredibly accommodating and helpful. They were eager to answer any questions I had, as well as volunteer additional information. It was clear evident that they were passionate about and proud of their Makerspace, and excited to share it with me.
Their Makerspace contains two 3D printers, so that's what I will focus on for this project. Here's the entrance to their Makerspace. The library currently provides Makerspace open hours on Wednesdays and Fridays. There is always supervision within the Makerspace. A dedicated space and a dedicated staff were described as vital to me in the operation of their Makerspace.
What is a 3D Printer?
A 3D Printer is a "machine that builds a three-dimensional object under computer control"(Martinez). Put simply, you pick or create a design on a computer, and the 3D printer uses filaments similarly to a hot glue gun in order to make your design of choice a tangible reality.
My local library also provided me with a helpful worksheet of 3D printing vocabulary as well as websites to check out for 3D printing novices.
Useful 3D Printing Terms
- Additive Manufacturing
- Build Plate
- CAD
- Extruder
- Filament
- PLA
- Slicing
- Stl file
Wesbites for 3D Printing
- Thingiverse.com
- Tinkercad.com
- ultimaker.com/en/products/cura-software
- http://www.123dapp.com/design
Here is one of the library's 3D Printers in action! Their Ultimaker 3D Printer was working on creating a ukulele when I had the chance to visit. This particular library started their Makerspace over two years ago. They received a grant to fund the 3D Printers. They also receive donations that can be used for additional Makerspace materials.
3D Printing begins with creating a digital STL (Stereolithography) file with a CAD (Computer Aided Design) Program (Martinez). There are several different CAD programs that can be used to create an appropriate STL file depending on situational preference. Filament is then used to replicate and transform your digital file into a three dimensional object.
The library I visited had a large table covered with several spools of different colored filament, even including glow in the dark filament!
3D Printers melt filament in order to create three dimensional objects. Typically use either ABS or PLA filament, or some combination of them.
Here's a short clip of the 3D printer working on creating a ukulele. The filament is melted and distributed to form the object it's programmed to make.
How can 3D Printers be used in a Library?
There are so many ways that 3D Printers can be used in a Library! They can be used to create objects that advertise for the Makerspace or for a particular class or event.The library that I visited offers additional classes specific to 3D Printing, as well as other creative classes that can be utilized within the Makerspace.
The library I explored also sometimes sets up a 3D Printer at the front desk to advertise the Makerspace itself.
They also visit high schools with a 3D Printer to increase exposure to students. Currently there is no charge to create an object with their 3D Printer other than a valid library card in good standing. What an amazing learning opportunity for the community to have easy access to such innovative equipment!
My favorite example of usage was that a Librarian told me that when a part broke on their 3D Printer, they replaced it using a 3D Printer! They were able to create a three dimensional replacement nozzle head and successfully use it with their printer.
3D Printers fabricate and create, so they are perfect additions to any library's Makerspace. They provide visual representations of planned designs and are a safe platform to experiment within.
Instead of just a written book report, students can now feasibly create accompanying three dimensional figures!
Appropriate Age Level
The Library that I visited mandates an hour long 3D Printing safety session for everyone before they can sign up and use the 3D Printer. If someone is under the age of 14, they must have a guardian with them at all times in addition to the supervisor that is always present within the Makerspace.
3D Printing can be intricate, and there are obvious safety concerns involved with using such expensive machinery. However, with correct supervision, 3D Printing provides an invaluable learning and creating experience. The value is lost in solely the finished product; the process is important to the learning, teaching, and experimenting value.
For these reasons, I would almost abolish age guidelines. Maybe 5 years old as the youngest age able to use the machinery, provided that there is constant, vigilant, appropriate adult supervision. The main concerns would be behavioral, and that no one sticks their hand into the 3D Printing space. Different age levels would be able to glean different perspectives and benefits from using a 3D Printer.
Here is a small sampling of some of the products created using the 3D Printer.
The Makerspace I visited also had a lot of other creating and creative materials. There is a Robotics team. They have several sewing machines and fabrics, a "take apart" center, soldering irons, drills, a drill press, several computers, and more!
Pros & Cons of a 3D Printer
I asked this question at the Makerspace I went to, and everything that I could perceive to be a con was quickly flipped around to still be considered in a positive light.
Cons
- Lots of maintenance necessary
- Constant supervision necessary
3D Printers seem to need a great deal of care and maintenance to maintain an excellent level of use and production. Librarians completed 4 hours worth of training before working with the 3D Printers. This also promotes constant learning and innovation within the professional realm of the Library.
For safety reasons, 3D Printers require constant close supervision. With an adequate, impassioned staff though, this doesn't have to be seen as a negative aspect. However, it does have to be taken into account when planning staffing and responsibilities.
Pros
- Promote creativity
- Advertise Makerspace
- Provide technology to patrons
- Foster another level of connection with community
- Tangibly teach, build, and explore
- Exposure to the library environment
This is just a quick list of some of the numerous advantages to having a 3D Printer. People may be coming to a library more often in order to utilize a 3D Printer, and during that time see all that the library has to offer.
Here are some more examples of the variety of products made using the 3D Printer. The library I visited said that their 3D Printer has become so popular that sometimes up to 20 people are in the Makerspace waiting to create. They have a waiting list for using the 3D Printer, and are planning on opening up the Makerspace for additional hours in the near future.
This book display is greatly enhanced with the minion holding a 3D printed ukulele! Advertisements about the accessibility of classes to use the 3D Printer that made the ukulele are nearby.
