3-D Printers for Libraries

by Jason Griffey

Overview

As the maker movement continues to grow and 3-D printers become more affordable, an expanding group of hobbyists is keen to explore this new technology. In the time-honored tradition of introducing new technologies, many libraries are considering purchasing a 3-D printer. Jason Griffey, an early enthusiast of 3-D printing, has researched the marketplace and seen several systems first hand at the Consumer Electronics Show. In this report he introduces readers to the 3-D printing marketplace, covering such topics asHow fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing workBasic terminology such as build plate, spool, nozzle hot end, direct extruder, and Bowden extruderPlastics used, such as ABS, PLA, and othersDescriptions, price ranges, and filament specs for 3-D printers from MakerBot, Printrbot, Solidoodle, and other manufacturersSuggested staff skills for performing basic maintenance tasksWhere to find both ready-to-use designs and the software for customizing, from beginning to advanced systems

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780838959305
Publisher:	American Library Association
Publication date:	01/01/2014
Series:	Library Technology Reports , #50
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.30(d)

About the Author

Jason Griffey is an associate professor and head of library information technology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His latest book, Mobile Technology and Libraries, is now available as a part of Neal Schuman’s Tech Set. Jason’s previous book, Library Blogging, with Karen A Coombs, is available through Amazon. He can be stalked obsessively at www.jasongriffey.net and at Pattern Recognition, his personal blog. He is the author of the American Libraries Perpetual Beta blog, and is also a columnist for the ALA Techsource blog. Jason was named one of Library Journal’s Movers and Shakers in 2009 and is regularly invited to speak on libraries, the social economy, mobile technology, and other technology-related issues. He spends his free time with his daughter, Eliza, reading, obsessing over gadgets, and preparing for the inevitable zombie uprising.

Table of Contents

Contents Chapter 1—Introduction Chapter 2—The Types of 3-D Printing Chapter 3—Types of Plastics Chapter 4—Creating and Printing Files Chapter 5—3-D Printers