Excitement as Whangarei Library wins 3D Printer

Excitement is running high at the Whangarei District Council after they won a 3D printer at the recent National Libraries conference. Sponsored and supplied by Comworth Technologies, the XYZ da Vinci printer is expected to become a major drawcard for libraries in the region, providing visitors with the opportunity to see 3D printing in action to spark their imaginations.

Paula Urlich, Libraries Manager at the Whangarei District Council (WDC), says libraries today are competing with the internet and a range of other attractions. “As a result, it is necessary to up our game by adding attractions, events and technologies that put the library at the centre of the community,” she says.

Urlich says the 3D printer has already had a substantial impact: “We’ve seen a lot of interest from the Council engineers who are green with envy; and the Group Manager Infrastructure and Services, who couldn’t stop smiling when we received it. It’s quite a ground breaking development for the library; we never dreamed of getting one and can’t wait to get it set up for visitors to experience.”

Not only has Comworth supplied the 3D printer, it is also providing support to help WDC get optimal benefit from it. Paul Francois, product manager at Comworth, says the XYZ da Vinci is ideal for public displays as it is very easy to use. “The machine is supplied with software compatible with a standard PC and which is intuitive to get models set up and ready for printing. There is a huge online catalogue of designs that can be accessed and produced, while using the XYZ is much like using a standard office printer,” he explains.

That even extends to the consumables: the da Vinci takes a 600-gram drum, available in a range of colours, which can be swapped out just like an ink or toner cartridge. “Good technology today is easy to use and that’s definitely the case with the XYZ. It puts 3D printing into the hands of anyone who knows how to use a computer, making it a perfect addition to the technology found in the modern library today,” Francois adds.

Continuing, Urlich says that while people will always use a library to borrow a book, but there is a lot more on offer today. “There is a revolution going on in libraries today as we work to maintain relevance. We have activities like computer classes, murder mystery night, kids events and events for senior citizens. We’re always open to trying new exhibits and activities and the 3D printer is bound to be a major attraction.

“It might even help get more of the Dads in, as we tend to see more Moms,” she quips.

The new printer is a first for the libraries of the North, and WDC intends to invite other libraries to share the printer with. “We want to be sure Kaipara and the Far North get to have a bit of the fun, too,” Urlich concludes.

The new XYZ Da Vinci printer can be seen in action in the Whangarei Library in the December holidays.