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By Katrina Margolis
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Technology is evolving around us at an unprecedented pace. While this innovation can be a good thing, the price of these ever-innovative technologies can be a prohibiting factor to their use.
One of the newer technologies in the world is the concept of 3D printing. Fortunately, the Medfield Public Library not only has a 3D printer for public use, but offers classes on how to use the printer. The fourth of these types of classes was held on Thursday, May 11. The classes are small and limited to six people so that each participant can receive individual attention. They are open to all ages, from children to adults.
3D printing is the process of creating a physical, 3D object from a computer file. The file is converted into code the machine understands through a computer program called a slicer. “We use a program called TinkerCad, and it’s a completely free program. It’s all web-based, so you don’t have to download anything to your computer,” Matt Costanza, Circulation Supervisor, explained. “All you have to do is make an account, which is free, and you can sign in and start using it at home, if you’d like.” This program does not require any prior knowledge of coding or graphic design, which makes it one of the easiest programs to use. During this class, participants learned how to make a keychain or a magnet. The finished products were printed the following Tuesday, but attendees learned how to make the file in order to get to the finished product.
After the object is designed, it can be sent to the library. The machine then makes the object when its nozzle heats up and continuously lays down layer after layer of melted plastic. To print at the Medfield Library, the cost is 25 cents for every 30 minutes. 3D printing can be used for a variety of purposes, such as prototyping, fabricating replacements parts such as battery covers, keyboard legs, board game pieces, making custom objects, art or jewelry, or even toys and games.
