Latest News
Library debuts new 3D printers
Hastings Public Library is pleased to debut two new 3D printers in the Library’s PIXLab makerspace. The Creality K1 printers are filament 3D printers that were released in 2023. Having two on hand can be very useful, as prints can take hours to complete.
Joseph Chapman, Library Experience Supervisor, said the most exciting aspect of the new 3D printers is their speed.
“Out of all the technologies available in the makerspace, 3D printing takes the longest to create a finished project,” he said. “While this is still true for the new printers, they are much faster than our previous models, sometimes taking half as much time to produce a completed print!”
The new printers work similar to previous models at the library. In addition to the increased speed, there are some other changes. The Creality K1 is a closed-frame model, which means the printing takes place within a chamber. This increases safety by limiting the outside exposure to the parts of the machine that can get really hot.
The printers have a cube-like shape, just over 1 foot square and about 2 feet tall and The printers can make models that are about 8 inches square. It’s a little smaller than our previous machines, but still an ample size to handle our patron’s needs.
Hastings Public Library plans to work with patrons who do a lot of 3D printing to use existing supplies on the older printer, as the newer machines cannot use the thicker filament. After that, we’ll reach out to other public libraries and institutions to see if they can use the older equipment for their own makerspaces.
Since 2017, the machines have been replaced once before, in 2021. With how much use the machines get, a three-year lifespan is very good for our machines! The library is always looking at what works best for its makerspace, and equipment replacement is a piece of that.
After so many years of operating a makerspace, we knew we needed to prioritize machines that worked fairly quickly and were simple to operate,” Chapman said. “Our research also helped us realize the need for multiple printers to serve the needs of patrons as readily as possible.”
He said the Information Technology Department staff was very helpful throughout the process. For several IT Department members, 3D printing is a hobby.
“This means they provided excellent advice when deciding what type of printer to purchase,” Chapman said. “Additionally, upon arrival, IT staff tested the machines to make sure they were working properly, and they were on hand to guide the initial installation and training for the machines. The library is so thankful for IT’s help and hard work!”
Using the new 3D printers is similar to the previous models, but there are some software and process changes. If you’ve already been certified on the 3D printer, feel free to come back for a refresher and to find out what’s new. If you’re completely new to 3D printing, no worries! Certification will still consist of an hour-long class to go over how to find a 3D model and how to print it. Once certified, patrons can make appointments to use the new equipment.
Appointments for certification and use the machines can be made through the library’s website, www.hastingslibrary.us; by calling us at (402) 461-2346; or by texting us at (402) 969-6244.
Published Date: 01/22/2024