I recently went to a 3D printing open lab at Ann Arbor (Michigan) District Library’s downtown branch. The event was very well attended. While there, I learned that the library has a beginner’s session for those who were new to the topic and wanted to learn more about it. I hadn’t attended this session, but I did my research that morning and learned about Thingiverse, a website that offers digital designs for physical objects and from which STL iles can be downloaded for free. I decided to look for a bracelet and found a design I liked. Toward the bottom of the page, there is a notice that this work was licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-ShareAlike license.I hadn’t worked with a 3D printer before and wasn’t sure what to expect. I uploaded the files into my Google Drive and eagerly entered the lab. I went to one of the stations and accessed my file, and the printing began. I didn’t know how long it would take, but I knew I had a limit of 2 hours on the printing machine. I asked if I could leave while the item printed and went out to get a snack. When I came back, the bracelet was already done, and I was happy to have my first 3D-printed object.
LEARNING MORE
I decided to connect with someone in leadership at Ann Arbor District Library to get answers to a few more questions I had about the lab. The following conversation, with Richard Retyi, the library’s communications and marketing manager, has been edited for clarity.
Sophia Guevara: Can you tell me about the library’s Secret Lab? Why and how was it developed?
Richard Retyi: The Ann Arbor District Library’s Secret Lab is a programming space located in the lower level of the Downtown Library that provides a creative and collaborative environment where people of all skill levels can try new things, explore new technologies, learn new skills, or use our specialized equipment to work on personal projects. The space was created to meet community demand for events related to things like 3D printing, programming, textiles, woodworking, and more.
Guevara: The 3D printing session was very popular. Do you host it often?
Retyi: 3D printing events have been a regular part of the Secret Lab for a while now. During the open labs, patrons have access to printers, filament, and design stations. These take place periodically throughout the year.
Guevara: Can you tell me more about the technology at the session? For example, what kind of 3D printers did you use, and what kind of software?
Retyi: We use Anycubic Kobra Neo printers and open source Anycubic Slicer software to prepare 3D objects for printing.
Guevara: You mentioned that the 3D printers use filament. Why was there a choice to use filament instead of resin?
Retyi: Printing with resin tends to be slower, messier, and more expensive. Filament is faster, more durable, and better for beginners.
Guevara: Who leads the sessions?
Retyi: We have several staff members who are trained in 3D printing and staff these events.
Guevara: Since you have the equipment available, is the library considering offering sign-up access to use the printers outside of Secret Lab event days?
Retyi: At this time, the Secret Lab is only a programming space. We offer a chance to experience the technology and see what 3D printing is all about, and then people can decide for themselves if they’d like to pursue 3D printing on their own at home with their own equipment.
CONCLUSION
If you haven’t yet familiarized yourself with 3D printing, I hope you will take a look at the resources provided in this article to learn more.
