PCC Library Laser Cutter Resources
3D CAD with Autodesk 123D by
If you've arrived at a stage in your creative life where you're ready to do more with your computer, it's time to learn how to combine its power with new advances in computer-aided design (CAD) and fabrication to make something awesome--in three dimensions! The free suite of Autodesk 123D software offers all the tools you need to capture or design three-dimensional objects and characters. This book tells you how to harness that power to print or fabricate just about anything you can imagine. Want to make something mechanical or structural that's based on precise measurements? 123D Design can help! Ready to create something cool based on a character, an organic shape, or something found in nature? 123D Catch, 123D Meshmixer, and 123D Sculpt+ will assist. Learn how to use these tools, plus 123D Make--perfect for prototyping designs you'll cut with a CNC mill--to take your creativity to a new level. An ideal book for Makers, hobbyists, students, artists, and designers (including beginners!), this book opens up the inexpensive world of personal fabrication to everyone. In 3D CAD with Autodesk 123D, you'll: Meet the classic "Stanford bunny" and learn to modify it with Meshmixer Scan and 3D print anything around you Design your own 3D-printed guitar Find models in the Sculpt+ community and make a skeleton! Build a birdhouse, prototype a playground, or create a statue Learn everything from basics to troubleshooting skills Get started making right away
ISBN: 9781449343019Publication Date: 2016-02-23
Makers by
3D Robotics co-founder and bestselling author Chris Anderson takes you to the front lines of a new industrial revolution as today's entrepreneurs, using open source design and 3-D printing, bring manufacturing to the desktop. In an age of custom-fabricated, do-it-yourself product design and creation, the collective potential of a million garage tinkerers and enthusiasts is about to be unleashed, driving a resurgence of American manufacturing. A generation of "Makers" using the Web's innovation model will help drive the next big wave in the global economy, as the new technologies of digital design and rapid prototyping gives everyone the power to invent--creating "the long tail of things".
ISBN: 9780307720955Publication Date: 2012-10-02
63 Ready-To-Use Maker Projects by
This new compilation from editor and maker Kroski spotlights a multitude of creative projects that you can tailor for your own library. Librarians and makers from across the country present projects as fun as an upcycled fashion show, as practical as Bluetooth speakers, and as mischievous as a catapult. Included are projects for artists, sewers, videographers, coders, and engineers. The handy reference format will help you quickly identify the estimated costs, materials, and equipment; and because several projects don't even require a dedicated makerspace, every library can join in. Inside you'll find how-to guidance for projects like a foam rocket launcher; stop-motion animation with 3D print characters; found-object robots; glowing ghost marionettes; Arduino eTextiles; magnetic slime; yarn painting; fidget flannels; an LED brooch; and cardboard sculpture. With takeaways like origami tea lights or a t-shirt tote bag, your patrons will be sure to remember how much fun your library can be.
ISBN: 9780838915912Publication Date: 2017-10-10
Laser Cutters
The Makerspace has two CO2 laser cutters that can cut acrylic and wood and etch or engrave a variety of other materials including glass and metal. Lasers are powerful machines and users must:
- Wear laser safety googles in the laser room to prevent eye damage
- Get approval on materials from technicians. Some materials, such as PVC, cannot be used because they create toxic fumes.
- Make sure the laser's fume extractor is on and running before starting the laser
Never leave a laser unattended while it is doing a job.
Available Laser Cutters
The Glowforge is a 40W laser run through the Glowforge website.
Maximum work surface:
11″ (279 mm) deep and 19.5″ (495 mm) wide
Materials used: Cuts wood, fabric, leather, paper, Plexiglas (acrylic), Delrin (acetal), mylar, rubber, Corian, foods, and more. Engraves all the previous materials plus glass, coated metal, marble, anodized aluminum, titanium, some phones, tablets, and laptops, and more.
File Formats Used: .jpg .png .pdf .svg
Other Information: Pass through for longer materials.
The Aeon Mira 7 is a 60W laser cutter run with LightBurn software.
Maximum work surface: 17 3/4″ x 27 1/2″
Materials used: Cuts wood, fabric, leather, paper, Plexiglas (acrylic), Delrin (acetal), mylar, rubber, Corian, foods, and more. Engraves all of the previous materials plus glass, coated metal, marble, anodized aluminum, titanium, and more.
File Formats Used: .svg .ai .pdf .dxf .hpgl .plt .png .jpg .bmp
Other Information: Uses rotary tool for round objects for engraving