The Chattanooga Public Library has a Makerbot Replicator 2 available to the public on Mondays (9am-8pm) and Fridays (9am-6pm). Come hang out on the 4th Floor and get acquainted with our MakerBot using the self-directed learning stations that are loaded with tutorials and projects to start your digital DIY exploration into 3D. No reservations are needed but you must have a current library card to use the 3D printing services. Meanwhile, take a look at the MakerBot blog.
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I am so Excited!!
Submitted by Cherie (not verified) on
I am so Excited!!
Very exciting
Submitted by Brad Lumley (not verified) on
This is very exciting. A couple of questions: I can see this becoming very popular. Will use of the MakerBot be first-come, first-served or are there plans for a schedule/sign up sheet? I ask because I live in Soddy Daisy and that's quite a drive to find out I won't be able to print on that day. Also, is there a cost associated with printing? Perhaps we could bring our own filament? Thanks!
Fantastic
Submitted by WBC (not verified) on
This is absolutely fantastic and I can't wait to check it out! I am duly impressed at the swiftness the library has acted on plans to get a printer and am loving that it is available to the public.
What a cool idea! But having
Submitted by James (not verified) on
What a cool idea! But having some exposure at my workplace to 3D printing, I have some questions:
* Materials are often expensive; I assume the library would charge for the cost of materials but what would this be?
* What kind of materials are available for printing in the first place?
* My experience has been that 3D printers are slow. It can take quite awhile to print a part. As Brad points out, how will scheduling of valuable machine time take place? I live over in Hixson and driving over just to find it's not even available for the day would be a bummer.
* Getting an STL file for printing is only the final step of creating a design. Will the library be installing any CAD software for learning how to design 3D parts for printing? If so, what software will be available?
* Finally, in conjunction with the previous question, a suggestion which I'll throw out there: have you considered obtaining a 3D scanner? One system which you might want to consider would be David Laserscanner: http://www.david-laserscanner.com/. Constructing your own 3D scanner is very inexpensive and only requires a webcam, line laser module, and some flat surfaces to mount a printed calibration target on. These parts can be obtained for < $100 and would be a great complement to the 3D printer.
Finally, I work a normal job from 9 to 6 on weekdays. I guess that pretty much rules me out given the current hours. Is there any chance of getting weekend hours? This would be awesome, because then I could spend some quality time getting familiar with this system.
QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
Submitted by Mary Barnett on
Hi - this is Mary - I work at the Library and on the 4th Floor. Here are some answers to the questions posted so far:
re: SCHEDULE: If you can come after work on Monday's you'll be able to get started on something. We're open until 8 on Mondays.
re: RESERVATIONS: This is a first-come first served MakerSpace right now as we get things launched and discover what sort of demand is created for use of the printer and learning stations. As far as driving to Chattanooga and printing, everything is pretty light right now so chances are very good that you would able to use the printer when you get here on any given Monday or Friday. If you had to wait a little bit, at least you would be in a giant library with plenty of distractions - or grab a coffee downtown.
re: FEES: Right now there are no fees to use the lab as long as you have a library card. But we are also hoping people will honor the "maker movement" ethics of co-creating a space that is as much give as it is take, whenever possible. Some folks who plan to use the lab frequently have already offered to bring their own filament or help replenish the inventory available to the public. We appreciate and support this sort of co-creating as we make our way developing this new public lab.
re: MATERIALS: we are using spools of PLA filament for our MakerBot Replicator 2. We have several different colors and will add more. If you purchase the right kind, you can always bring your own.
re: SOFTWARE: there are several self-directed learning stations set up now that are already loaded with TinkerCad and Makerware. We'll also have SketchUp and OpenSCAD. If there are any other programs you want to suggest we'd love to hear from you!
re: 3D SCANNERS: Yes! We love them too and hope to have some up here. We had a blast playing with the 3D scanners that Engage3D and NovaCopy brought to our Maker Day last weekend. They are definitely on our wish list.
4th Floor 3D printer rules
Submitted by Jon E (not verified) on
Are there any rules or regulations on what is and is not allowed to be printed or does art and interest have the free range of the designers imagination? I only ask because I do not want to expose my family to creations that would not be appropriate due to their graphic nature.
Hi Jon - I hope you received
Submitted by Mary Barnett on
Hi Jon - I hope you received the original reply last week. It seems to have disappeared so here it is reposted. The 3D print lab abides by the Chattanooga Public Library's general policies on not allowing lude and pornographic material.
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