Narrabri Library is an innovative institution and regularly introduces new ideas to its shelves and its services portfolio.
Now, a 3D printer quietly humming away in the library is providing a fascinating insight into the future.
3D printing technology, or ‘additive manufacturing’, has been around for many years but nowadays is becoming an everyday tool for business and manufacturing applications of all kinds, with models suitable for home use.
The technology is advancing rapidly in several areas and its proponents see a day when householders can virtually have a factory at home.
The Narrabri Library model has so far made linked bracelets and a small frog to demonstrate its capabilities.
Everyone is familiar with ink jet printers which print in one dimension, on paper or other media, but the 3D printer translates its digital file into three dimensional objects by depositing successive layers of material, solid or liquid or in powder form, until the whole piece is made.
The 3D printer is on loan for one month from Tamworth Library and demonstrations will be given each week day and Saturdays.
The library’s printer is a ‘low entry’ model in the world of 3D printers, costing about $3,000.
The machine at the library is small but people can see it using 3D printing principles.
“We have the printer so anyone interested can come in and see it at work,” said Narrabri Library manager Jenny Campbell.
“Libraries embrace technology and this machine will encourage people to think about how things are made.
“3D printing is opening up a new world of opportunities.
“Graduate students in Florida have printed a new hand for a six year old boy, for $350, for example.
“The hand is battery powered and opens and closes via muscle movements from the boy’s shoulder.”
Industrial printers installed in factories and businesses of all kinds are much more expensive and sophisticated, and are used to build everything from aeroplane wing parts, engine components to turbines and toys, jewellery and as a tool for artists.
3D printers create model houses so potential owners can see exactly what their new home will look like in miniature.
And now full size house components are made with 3D printing.
Biotechnology firms make body parts, manufacturers create ‘one off’ items like new sports shoes before embarking on full scale production.
People are invited to phone the library for 3D demonstration times.