Triana, Madison libraries offer Makerspace for hi-tech crafts and more

MADISON – Seven branches of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, including Madison that has had equipment and Triana that recently received devices, have Makerspace Studio equipment for 3D printing and other processes.

Both Madison and Triana libraries offer on-demand 3D printing that a patron can order from his or her own computer. Individuals can visit the library’s blog post at blog.hmcpl.org to determine the types of tools and machines that are available in a studio and the steps in 3D printing of a design.

In addition to Triana, two other branches, Gurley and Monrovia, now are equipped with 3D printers and studio space to create fun projects, crafts and gadgets.

The library system has increased the technical capabilities for the studios with on-demand 3D printing. In simple steps, patrons can upload a design and wait for approval and printing; then, the individual will receive an alert when the project is available for pickup.

All additional guidelines, restrictions and instructions are available on the “On-Demand 3D Printing” page at hmcpl.org/ondemand.

The library blog states that the Makerspace Studios offer a variety of free tools, machines and activities to anyone with a library card. A novice in the studio can use a 3D printer, which creates a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model; typically, this process lays down many thin layers of a material in succession.

Another design tool is a cricut. A designer uses this electronic machine for cutting with extreme precision and eliminates the need for scissors or an X-Acto knife. In addition, pad printing involves the technology to transfer a two-dimensional image onto a three-dimensional part. (howjoyful.com)

“Whether you are printing fun animal figurines that bend and twist, etching that perfect design or simply looking for a new hobby, the Makerspace Studios are here to help you create and explore,” according to hmcpl.org/ondemand.

Madison Public Library’s tools include 3D Doodle Pens, two 3D printers and a 3D scanner, Carvey CNC, Cricut Maker, sewing machines, iFixit Kit, Little Bit Kits, Media Conversion Center, Pin-Back Button Maker and a serger.

To prepare for on-demand 3D printing, several steps will help in the procedure:

* Modeling — Design the project with 3D modeling or CAD software, such as Tinkercad or pre-designed files that anyone can download from Thingiverse.

* Sending — Submit 3D project files to the library for printing by using the online form. The project will print on a 3D printer at the library after a review and approval is complete. Library staff will notify the user when the job is finished.

* Guidelines — All 3D printing projects must follow restrictions from the library. For example, the library will accept a maximum of two print requests per month.

Makerspace Studios also are in place at Cavalry Hill, North Huntsville, Gurley, Monrovia and South Huntsville public libraries. Makerspace Studios offer scheduled appointments to guarantee the needed tool will be available.

For more information, visit blog.hmcpl.org and click the heading for 3D printers.