3-D printer now available for student use
3D Printer in Squires Library. Photo: Austin Gunter
A 3-D printer was installed in the library in the summer of 2015. Since then, Library Director Louis Morgan, along with other professors, have been testing designs in preparation of having students work with the printer.
The printer was installed for all students to use, however Morgan hopes professors will incorporate the printer into their lessons.
For a student to use the printer, he or she must pick a design from Thingiverse, an online design community for sharing items which are 3-D printables, send it to Library Cataloger Rachel Cunningham, and set up a time to work with her to prepare the printer for use.
'As of now, it's going really great.' Cunningham said. 'We keep learning new things about it.'
Projects cost 20 cents per gram for students doing a personal project. Class projects are exempt from payment.
Morgan spoke with several library directors when preparing to purchase the printer. He was assured the model selected is the best for low maintenance performing.
Morgan has been in touch with a number of other Tennessee libraries with 3-D printers and has wanted one for Lee's library for several years, citing the positive responses of students from other schools.
'It's amazing what you can actually make with this,' Morgan said.
Previously printed objects include a Star Wars Stormtrooper figurine, a small container and various Pokémon figures.
A form and flowchart will soon be available on the library's web page so students can organize their own 3-D projects.
