Public Library's Maker Day highlights 3-D printing

Sunday, January 1, 1905

photo Chattanooga Public Library's new 3-D printer, MakerBot, will be available as part of the Library's regular services for cardholders.

Three-dimensional printing is being hailed as the next big thing, and the Chattanooga Public Library is hosting an event to show it off.

Maker Day: Thinking in 3-D, set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, will show everyone from hobbyists to entrepreneurs what the rapidly developing technology can do. The free event, presented by the library and Co.Lab, will showcase the art and science of 3-D printing from an array of perspectives, including education, manufacturing, visual arts and entrepreneurship.

Mary Barnett, the library's social-media coordinator, says the "3-D throwdown" will feature 10 3-D printers running all day, including the Chattanooga Public Library's new MakerBot. After the event, the library will offer 3-D printing services as part of its regular services for cardholders.

Those attending can register for the chance to have a 3-D "action figure" of themselves (or their children) made.

The program will feature interactive demonstrations with 3-D scanners, as well as information kiosks, question-and-answer opportunities and displays of high-definition 3-D prints and models.

There also will be a display of the first 3-D model of downtown Chattanooga created by SimCenter Enterprises, UTC/SimCenter and Second Site.

Among those taking part are NovaCopy, Engage3D, Chattanooga Regional Manufacturing Association, Virginia Tech's DREAMS Lab, UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, PlayCore, Chatt*Labs and the CHAMakers meetup group.