The new 3D Afinia 800 printer that arrived at the C.H. Booth Library, Wednesday, August 26, is the library’s newest addition to a growing collection of items geared toward attracting patrons who view the library as a place for learning, as much as a space for reading. Purchased through funds generated at the April 2015 Library Board of Directors gala fashion show, this printer is the second 3D printer at the library for use by the public.

The first printer, also made by Afinia, was purchased a year ago, and funded by an anonymous donation.

Two Newtown Middle School students, Rodney Colon, grade 8, and Eli Kirby, grade 7, were on hand to help unpack and browse the operations manual, said Kim Weber, young adult librarian. Under her tutelage, the two boys have mastered the basics of the new printer and are ready and willing to help others — young or old — learn how to use this printer.

“We were giddy and stupidly happy to get this new printer,” admitted Eli, and equally happy to share what they know with newcomers.

On Wednesday, September 2, Rodney and Eli were on hand to show John Boccuzzi III, also a Newtown Middle School student, how to find and import a design from Thingiverse, an online design sharing site, and then use the Afinia software to create the object.

“I’ve taken some classes in 3D printing, and then saw the 3D printer here at the library,” said John, “and I wanted to learn to use it.”

He selected a Cubone skull cap design to print, from a favorite Pokeman character, and the boys set about computing the best size to fit the new printer.

The Afinia 800 is an approximately 20-inch-square block of machinery that, at first glance, might be mistaken for a microwave. Inside, though, a flat black platform, not a revolving glass plate, provides the platform for creating any number of practical and whimsical objects. The new machine has advantages over the library’s 480 3D printer, said Rodney and Eli, the main one being that the printing area of the new machine is much larger. The 800 offers a 10-inch by 8-inch by 8-inch build area, as opposed to the maximum 5-inch-cubed area of the 480.

“The new printer is closed in, so you have less chance of pieces crumbling off the edge,” Rodney pointed out. It also allows all of the heat generated during the process to stay inside one area, which helps the finished product to warm and then cool at one rate, added Eli.

With the older printer, the open air building platform causes pieces to cool at different stages, he said, resulting in some “fails.” It is better, Eli said, for the project to stay at a constant temperature until it is completed.

Rodney pointed out that the building platform inside the 800 is coated with an adhesive to prevent the project from moving as it is created, while the smaller model requires that glue to be applied to the platform each time.

Both of the 3D printers use spools of brightly colored plastic thread fed into the printer where the temperature, about 240 degrees Fahrenheit, liquefies the plastic and feeds it out onto the building platform, based on the computerized information selected.

“People had been asking for a 3D printer with a bigger build, and the ability to use multiple colors,” said Ms Weber, so the library is pleased to be able to accommodate that request. “The new printer has software compatible with our other one, too, so more than one project can be printing at a time,” she said.

Ms Weber anticipates an uptick in the use of 3D printing, now that there are two machines available. “The 3D printer is already being used nearly every day,” she said, and not only for small toys and novelty items. Many of the adult users have learned to make plastic buttons, cabinet knobs, and plastic replacement parts for small appliances.

Rodney and Eli have less grandiose plans for the new printer.

“I want to make a pineapple in every color,” said Rodney. “I’m making a tropical island theme on a shelf in my wardrobe,” he explained, and added to the coconut from the Bahamas that he already has, the pineapples would be perfect.

Eli plans to continue adding to the collection of hockey team logos that he has started to make.

The boys said that they are still in the learning stage with the new printer. “We’ve just experimented with it,” said Rodney, but because they love technology and creating things, they have picked up on the basic operation quickly. “We’re very excited,” he said.

The public is invited to sign up for lessons on a calendar posted near the printers in the Young Adult Department of the C.H. Booth Library. Training will be provided by Ms Weber, or any of the young patrons who have already been trained.

“We hope to have a way to make reservations [to use the printers] online, soon,” said Ms Weber.

Currently, there is no charge for supplies or to use the printers, thanks to private funding. Newtown residents of all ages are welcome to learn to use and create on either of the 3D printers. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.