The Upper School Library likes to stay up to date with the most current works of literature but despite this the most futuristic item in the library this year is St. Paul Academy and Summit School’s 3-D printer.

3-D printing is a process where electronically designed items are created layer by layer, often with plastic. This method of manufacturing allows for parts to be mass produced both quickly and precisely. It is often utilized for vehicle manufacturing, jewelry, toy design, and architecture.

SPA’s printer was originally purchased before the 2013-14 school year for Dr. Steve Heilig’s Designing Change course. “[The 3-D printer] opens the door to a new way of thinking about problems.  If you can imagine it, we can print it,” Heilig said, “Instead of needing to know how to use all the tools in a machine shop, we can create all sorts of things with this one device.  It makes us more efficient as problem-solvers.” Last year the class designed and printed a doorstop and a water reservoir for a wet eraser used with fluorescent markers.

The Designing Change class does not use the printer all the time which allows it to sit in the library the rest of the year. Unfortunately only a few people utilize this resource. “There seems to be a core group of students that use the printer,” Upper School Librarian Kate Brooks said.

All you need to use the printer is an idea and a bit of time. Though it is possible to create a design entirely from scratch, there are easier methods. “Students are downloading files to print and modifying them,” Brooks said. Some of the more interesting projects Brooks has seen include an iPhone case that a student added their name to and an electric violin.

You also need some time when 3-D printing. Some small projects can print quickly, but large projects like the violin (which had to be done in parts to fit in the printer) can take around 12 hours.

The 3-D printer will be in the library most of the year and is a great way to allow for creativity outside of classes. It is available to any student. So when you have some free time, instead of wasting it, try creating something.