Chris and Brianne Hubbart arrived last year in East Dundee armed with chainsaws, and other tools to create a piece from a stump at the Dundee Library.
Erica Acevedo created a replica of their work — albeit in miniature size — using computer apps and the library’s 3D printer.
It’s the kind of thing many people don’t realize can be done with technology, and the kind of skill patrons can try out by having their own designs printed at the library or learn through 3D printing classes offered by the Fox River Valley Public Library District.
“We’re here to provide the community access to advanced technology and training in how to use it,” said Acevedo, Dundee Library’s bilingual adult and teen services specialist.
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The library has had a 3D printer since 2014 — the Prusa MK3S+ they now use being their third, Acevedo said.
Acevedo offers a variety of tech-related classes for the general public, school groups, and other local organizations. She’s also available for one-on-one sessions where she can offers pointers on using a variety of technology, including mobile phones, software, home computers and 3D printing.
As the library’s website explains, the 3D printing process uses computer-aided design software like Tinkercad, a free cloud-based program, to build 3D creations and then turn them into three-dimensional objects made of biodegradable polylactic acid plastic filament.
Known as PLA, the filament is “derived from things like cornstarch or cane sugar,” Acevedo said.
The fox sculpture prototypes came about when Acevedo was printing out library-themed 3D ornaments for the Christmas tree they were putting together for a holiday display in West Dundee’s Grafelman Park.
Kirstin Finneran, the library district’s public relations manager, suggested she try making 3D-printed versions of the library’s newest artwork.
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Acevedo stated that she took 70 photos from different perspectives of the sculpture using the KIRI Engine app, which then combined them to create a preliminary design.
“I had to ensure I captured every piece of the sculpture from multiple angles,” she said.
Next, she used the Autodesk Meshmixer to refine the geometric design; Tinkercad to replicate more intricate details, such as the artist’s carved signature; and Prusa Slicer, the program that generates the code needed by the 3D printer used to make the model.
Avecedo stated that the first fox sculpture she made took her four hours to create as a 3D object. Another, more dense version took seven hours.
So far, she’s made only a handful of 3D-printed fox sculptures, and it’s up to the library district as to whether she’ll do more, she said.
“We’re figuring out what might be the best way to share 3D versions with the community,” Finneran said.
She said they could be used as prizes or fundraising items. It takes many hours to make one so they are not easily mass-produced.
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However, library patrons are welcome to submit their own 3D printing requests for 3D models through the district’s website. Designs must be in specific formats, no bigger than certain dimensions and meet content guidelines — no weapons or sexually explicit/obscene, for example, or patented or trademarked items.
Guidelines can be found at www.frvpld.info/3d-printing-rules-and-procedures.
Acevedo provides tips and advice to patrons regarding their designs. The filament costs only 10 cents pergram.
Acevedo stated that the original fox sculpture, which measures approximately 3 inches in height and weighs 24g, she made cost $2.40.
Acevedo stated that she printed several hundred items in 2022 for dozens of patrons. These included prototypes for things for which patents are sought. She said that most orders are under $5. The $30 price tag for a car radio mount is the most expensive.
Acevedo also produces items for the in-house. One of the items was a trophy that was designed by students. It was given out to participants in the Harry Potter themed escape room. Name plates were also given out to library staff who have completed 3D modeling training.
Acevedo stated that she plans to 3D print in multiple colors with the Palette 3 Pro from Mosaic in the future. The library acquired the Palette 3 Pro in 2021.
“I’m testing it out first before we offer it to the public,” she said.
Mike Danahey is a freelance journalist for The Courier-News.
