BARRHEAD - A 3D printer was generously donated to the Barrhead Library in June by an anonymous person.
“This is an expensive unit and quite a surprise,” remarked Kyle Hughes, (Mr. Lego), technical support person at the Barrhead library.
Hughes explained that he was approached after speaking at the Seniors Expo on June 6 by a gentleman who inquired about the library’s interest in a 3D printer.
3D printing has become popular in many personal and business uses from printing car parts and tools to building houses.
The library plans to make the 3D printer available for library patrons to try out and experience.
This is another interesting activity offered by the library and thanks to a generous Barrhead resident many people will have the opportunity to experience 3D printing without having to purchase a 3D printer themselves.
Based on the donated printer’s size library visitors could make tools, machine parts, nuts and screws, home décor items like vases, clocks, figurines and toys.
People have used 3D printers for making kitchen utensils and implements.
Interested in the latest plastic kitchen gadget but don’t want to spend the money, you could print one on the 3D printer.
Gadgets are another option to print such as cell phone stands, hangers, keychains, organizers, coasters, light fixtures and ornaments.
Hughes explained that many people use 3D printers for making miniature Dungeon and Dragons and Warhammer figurines which are then painted.
The model of the printer is a Dremel 3D20 and it comes with built-in models that can be built with the printer without connecting to a computer.
The donated printer uses a melted material and builds layer on layer in a pattern to form the desired object.
It is an enclosed model that helps regulate the heat temperature during the build and reduces the noise off of the printer.
There are free patterns to choose from online.
