Wauconda Area Library offers new 3-D printing service
Submitted by the Wauconda Area Library
Joining the ranks of select libraries in the region, Wauconda Area Library has acquired a new 3-D printing machine that will provide patrons with seemingly endless practical and innovative options for creating their own three-dimensional objects.
The library recently purchased the LulzBot Mini, produced by Aleph Objects Inc., an easy-to-use automated 3-D printer that builds models based on the designs submitted to it. The printer will be available to patrons starting this month.
The LulzBot Mini is the smallest machine Aleph produces, but offers a platform size of 6-inches-by-6-inches-by-6-inches, ample size for most projects people are looking to make, said Brandon Mundschenk, operations support technician for Wauconda Area Library.
"At this point, I don't see the average user needing anything larger than this," Mundschenk said. "There are an infinite amount of uses for the machine. The average person can create a part that broke on a washing machine or table saw. People can make cookie cutters, or design their own. Figurines, action figures - the sky is the limit. We really don't know where this is headed."
The 3-D printer craze has grown considerably over recent years as the cost of the printers dropped, making them more affordable to individuals, engineers, architects and schools. As the public gained greater access to the machines, people started to get very creative with how they used them and the items they fabricate. Ice scrapers, door stops, plant holders, phone cases and tablet stands are just some examples.
However, at about $1,200 for a small 3-D printer, the price is still prohibitive to many people's budget, prompting libraries to fill the demand for the machine. Patrons, who must be age 14 and older to use the machine, will pay for the material needed to fabricate their items; about 10 cents per gram of material, which adds up to about $2 to $5 per project, Mundschenk said.
"There is a definite benefit to the community," Mundschenk said. "Not everyone can afford to buy one."
A 3-D printer is similar to an inkjet printer operated through one's computer. However, instead of spraying ink, the library's new 3-D printer extrudes a molten plastic material layer by layer until it has created a three dimensional object. The process can take several hours to complete. Users can choose the color of their items: red, pink, orange, yellow, green, blue, navy, white or neutral. Or, they can paint the finished object once it's hardened and complete.
The LulzBot products use free software: Google Sketchup, Thingiverse, TinkerCAD and Cura. Users will design their objects and then upload their projects saved on a file directly to the library. They will be notified when their items are finished.
To get patrons acquainted with the new 3-D printing service, Wauconda Area Library will host several introductory programs on how to use the machine. The first such program, "3-D Printing and You" will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the library, 801 N. Main St., Wauconda. Open to all ages, the free program will focus on the printer's endless uses and introduce attendees to the software needed to create items. No registration is needed to attend.
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