See your ideas take shape with the library's 3D printers

See your ideas take shape with the library's 3D printers

Published on September 24, 2024

As someone living with severe arthritis, Leigh Ann Bradley is always looking for ways to make daily tasks easier.

When the Fort Worth resident saw a video on Facebook by TechOWL showing how some adaptive tools can be created with a 3D printer, she was intrigued.

"That made me start to think about the fact that our library system here has 3D printing abilities in many (Fort Worth Public Library) branches," Bradley said, "so, of course, the first thing I did was to go and have a little talk with the librarian in that department to find out whether or not I could print out adaptive devices."

With help from a staff member, Bradley used the Library's 3D printer to create an adaptive door handle and a phone holder that is a vast improvement over the old wire hanger she had been using to prop up her cell phone.

The Fort Worth Public Library offers free use of 3D printers at 18 locations, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

"It's made my life so much easier," said Bradley. "There are so many other disability adaptive devices that can be printed at your local library. I have been spreading the word."

She's made a list of helpful items and looks forward to printing them.

A world of possibilities

3D printers can be used for all kinds of projects and they're not just for adults. Children and teens are welcome to use 3D printers at the library, and trained staff are ready to assist them through their first print project.

Whether they're looking to print a figurine of their favorite cartoon character or a new bookmark, each 3D print station is equipped with all of the necessary programs to see a print project through.

"If you can point and click, you can 3D print with us," said Christina Granados, the Fort Worth Public Library's teen program coordinator.

Library staff show beginners how to use Thingiverse, a website dedicated to sharing user-created digital design files, to find a free, pre-made design to print out. Flowers, figurines, phone holders and many more items can be found on the website. Those who know their way around a 3D printer can also bring their own design files to print.

"We get a lot of kids who 3D print trinkets from Thingiverse, which gives them exposure to the technology and is a stepping stone for deeper learning," said Granados. "Occasionally we get people who designed something original in Tinkercad or some other computer-aided design (CAD) program, and hopefully that will increase as we provide more 3D Design programs across the city."

CAD Contest: Put your 3D-printing skills to the test

Throughout the month of September (Sept. 1-30), the Library is challenging teens in grades 6-12 to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create a bridge and then build it using a 3D printer - all with tools available at libraries across the city.

Donations to the Fort Worth Public Library Foundation funded the purchase of the specific ABS filament required for the challenge.

"Use your imagination to design a strong bridge. Take inspiration from architecture. Fearlessly experiment," Granados said. "3D-print your prototype at the library for free. Test it and think about how to make improvements. You can repeat the engineering design process as many times as you want before the contest deadline."

The winner will be awarded a brand-new 3D printer, and the runner-up will get a 3D pen as a prize. For contest rules and submissions guidelines, visit fwpl.info/cadcontest.

Fort Worth Public Library staff are available to help contestants get started on the design software and can help with printers. Anyone interested in 3D printing is invited to attend a free 3D design or 3D printing class offered at select Fort Worth Public Library locations.

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