Cranberry Library offers creative outlet with 3D printing classes
CRANBERRY TWP — Toys. Tools. Baskets. Drawers. Knobs. Decorations. Keychains. Lamps. Vases. Sculptures. Jewelry.
Those items are among many creations that are possible with the latest 3D printing technology and Cranberry Public Library is giving residents a chance to try it for themselves.
Over the past six years, The Forge Makerspace — a room equipped with 3D printers, a laser engraver, sewing machines and other specialized tools — has offered classes for skill levels ranging from beginner to expert.
“It’s evolving very quickly,” said Craig Stevenson, a retired engineer and volunteer educator who taught his first 3D design class on Friday.
Stevenson, who previously worked at Westinghouse Electric Company, IBM and Lexmark, said he has about three years of experience with 3D printing.
From his home, he’s crafted practical pieces such as tools, corbels, windmill models, exercise bike parts and even a holder for plastic food wrap.
“God made me a creator,” he said. “I’m an engineer at heart. The family is all engineers, too. I enjoy doing this and just wanted to help people.”
Stevenson’s initial dive into teaching focused on Tinkercad, a free 3D design and modeling software from Autodesk. It enables users to generate various items that are then exported to the printer.
The program is mostly for beginners. However, Stevenson said it can be a pathway for those attempting to pick up a new skill.
“It’s probably the easiest computer-aided design program you can learn,” he said.
As 3D printing technology continues to advance, however, he said more people — young and old — should consider using it.
“It’s good for young children to get them interested in STEM because they can actually get their hands on stuff,” Stevenson said, referring to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics focused education and careers.
He said it could also be positive for adults entering the workforce or seeking a career change.
“I think it could be a good job opportunity for people to learn some of those skills because industry is going that way,” Stevenson added. “In manufacturing, it allows you to make stuff a whole lot quicker. The military is also starting to use it.”
Among Stevenson’s students were a mother and daughter working to better understand the technology while learning the ins and outs of their new 3D printer.
“We thought maybe with learning how to create her own things, she could expand on what we’re doing in homeschool and for other projects,” said Rae Ann Streyle, who resides in Economy.
While the Makerspace has offered classes for years, manager Mary Frances Reutzel said 3D printing and other similar forms of art have grown into a popular endeavor for people of all ages.
“If you can dream something, you probably can learn to model that,” she said. “We’re a resource that can make those things happen. We’ve got free resources available online, we’ve got minds here that have done this, and then we have machines that can maybe see all of that come to fruition.”
She said 3D printing classes — both free and fee-based — will continue throughout the year, offering ample opportunities for anyone interested in experimenting.
“This is an absolute gift to people in the community,” she said. “We are so blessed to have all of the diversity of equipment, instruction and level of expertise that comes into this space. You don’t have to know anything or you can be an expert to help contribute to this. We’re a collaborative community, and all we want to do is help people.”
