Love the Learning: Our 3D printer!

Part of the Library as Learning Commons program is to provide a venue for students to explore and be exposed to new ideas and technologies they may otherwise not have access to. As such, the Library has acquired a MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer, a small step into a "maker" culture and philosophy. Basically it can slowly "print" (create) three dimensional objects from PLA or ABS plastic filament. Here is our club as they set it up, and the first item they printed (about the size of a quarter, took 15mns). Check out a few links below for more info.

The 3D Club with Mr. Le will be working on an initial project to design and replicate scale models of the library furniture to help with re-designing the space.

I encourage anyone who wishes to learn about the system for any potential class projects. We can imagine a host of subject-relevant projects in Art, Sciences, Math, Business and more (how about locally designed trophies or badges?). We will be asking club members to hold demonstrations and workshops.

We will most likely be running it on a cost-back basis (the material costs ~5 cents a gram). Generally the items will be small for now (the bigger and denser the objects, the longer it takes and the more material it uses). We will be opening it up for broader student use eventually: they may submit applications to print designs they have designed themselves (not downloaded pre-fab designs), or we may open contests (ex: design a solution to a problem). Details will be worked out later.

A few ideas to learn more about 3D printers:

· 3D Printers in schools

· Demonstration (with a scanner which we don't ~yet~ have)

· Art teacher designs a mug

· High School Projects

· High School students furnish a castle

· Thingiverse - a site for sharing printed objects and the design files to create them

· Lucky Charms - a solution to a problem you didn't even know you had

A few starter tips: