I found this coverage of the new Toronto Digital Innovation Hub at the Toronto Public Library on 3Ders.org helpful and amusing. Please also visit the library site itself to learn more upcoming projects, including a robotics session with Alex Kung, from the R2D2 Builders Group, and lots of photos of their early steps into the 3D printing world.
Toronto’s innovation hub outshines crazy mayor:
Considering the behavior of their whacked-out mayor, it is even more pleasant to report on something positive in Toronto: the new Digital Innovation Hub at the Toronto Public Library. This Saturday, the Innovation Center will offer an Intro to 3D Design course through their new hub which is set to open February 4th. The Digital Innovation Hub is home to 3D printers, 3D scanners, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi – among other technology – and is one of three set to open in early 2014 in the Toronto area.
…The Toronto Star reported that “the hubs are part of the Toronto Public Library’s strategic plan, as the traditional houses for books and literature try to reposition themselves in an increasingly digital environment.” Reference library manager Paul Trumphour views libraries as “helping people understand their world” – which increasing includes the digital world. The technology in the library’s hub cost around $44,000 Canadian dollars and was partially paid for through public fund raising.
Library patrons will be able to use the 3D printers for a small fee: around 5 cents a minute for the first two hours – plus a $1 base fee. So an iPhone case which prints in around 90 minutes would cost around $5.50. In addition to 3D printers, the Innovation Hub will offer visitors access to video cameras, green screens, audio equipment and tablets – as well as other devices. The technology will be supported through multiple courses with monthly meetings on topics like robotics and wearable tech. The library is also partnering with Toronto’s maker community to reach as many interested people as possible.
Every Thursday is #3dthursday here at Adafruit! The DIY 3D printing community has passion and dedication for making solid objects from digital models. Recently, we have noticed electronics projects integrated with 3D printed enclosures, brackets, and sculptures, so each Thursday we celebrate and highlight these bold pioneers!
Have you considered building a 3D project around an Arduino or other microcontroller? How about printing a bracket to mount your Raspberry Pi to the back of your HD monitor? And don’t forget the countless LED projects that are possible when you are modeling your projects in 3D!
The Adafruit Learning System has dozens of great tools to get you well on your way to creating incredible works of engineering, interactive art, and design with your 3D printer! If you’ve made a cool project that combines 3D printing and electronics, be sure to let us know, and we’ll feature it here!
