In the northwest corner of the Cochrane Public Library sits a bluish transparent box with tubes running into it. The mysterious space-age machine is the Ultimaker 3, the library's new 3-D printer and an opportunity for ideas to jump off the page, or in this case the screen.
"It's a very good educational quality 3-D printer but it also has some features that are great for the type of printing we're able to do in the library," said Sarah Birch, community outreach and program librarian.
Already a few funky creations – from wood textured boats, knight figurines to glow in the dark ghosts – have emerged from the rectangular chamber, which is currently free to library members to try.
While 3-D printing has some cool features and depending on the printer can fashion almost anything someone can dream up, the technology is far from instantaneous, so don't expect a Star Trek replicator experience.
"We're using mostly PLA filament and this is a dual extruder 3-D printer so it's an additive process. Almost like two fancy hot glue guns and it builds layers," said Birch adding that projects can take awhile to complete. For example, Birch pointed to a red, calf-high knight printed for medieval day, saying it took a whopping 72 hours of printing time.
The filament material, one of the reasons the library chose the Ultimaker model, is a corn-based plastic, which is both biodegradable and requires less ventilation than a printer that uses ABS filament – a type of plastic used in Lego bricks.
"Under the right conditions, it can be composted," she said of the PLA filament material.
This particular model also doesn't get as hot as other 3-D printers. The material can also be infused with woods or metallics to give creations new textures and looks.
Whether the library looks at getting a printer using different materials or additional units as usage increase will depend on whether it gets the new space it is hoping for under the tri-site plan. As it stands, Birch said the library doesn't have room to accommodate much more.
To print a creation, it first must be designed but Birch said you don't have to be a computer whiz.
"The software that we teach is called Tinkercad and it's a free CAD software designed for children," said Birch, adding, "if people have a stronger background in computer-aided design they could use AutoCad or Fusion 360 or Google SketchUp. If you have an idea for a design and you want help, we're happy to help."
While it's currently free to use, plans are to eventually implement a cost recovery fee.
Birch said as the popularity of the device grows and users want higher quality material to print off logos and other merchandise – she sees it being popular with commercial businesses – the library will have to start charging for the printer's use. As for how much it costs to print an object, Birch said the aforementioned knight would cost out at around $40.
Birch added the library won't begin charging until after all the kinks are worked out of the process.
"Print jobs do fail sometimes," she said holding up what was planned to be a Harry Potter sorting hat, that looked as though it might have been tossed into the Goblet of Fire.
Knickknacks, toys and penholders are not all the printer can do, a lot of people come in for very practical reasons, such as to craft replacement dials for stoves or dryers.
The printer cost $6,000 which was paid for jointly by a grant from the Bow RiversEdge Campground Society and the Friends of the Cochrane Library with proceeds from the library's book sale.
For more information, to book a 3-D printer appointment, or to see the printer in action, go to https://www.cochranepubliclibrary.ca/Makerspace-Content/3D-Printing.
Birch also says to keep an eye out for the library's fall program guide for exciting printer-related activities.
