Kaunas Vincas Kudirka Public Library hosted a 3D printing training for adults, where Kaunas citizens had the opportunity to get acquainted with the technology, learn how to use three-dimensional printers, and print their own object.The 3D printing training is part of the international ERASMUS+ project “ADaPT4Future: ADult People create Technologies for their Future”, which is co-ordinated by the International School of Robotics and is a partner of the Library.
In the rapidly changing and dynamic environment of the information society, the role of libraries is also changing and they have to find new forms and ways to meet the needs of the community, to create new services and to expand their range. Innovative, interesting services that meet the needs of modern society are one way to attract the community to the library and to widen its audience.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills are crucial in today’s job market, but there is still a lack of technology-based training for adults, especially those who are less able due to economic or social barriers. In response to the need to develop these skills, the library organised 3D printing training for adults and older Kaunas citizens.
The sessions not only presented the theoretical possibilities of 3D printing, but also included a workshop where participants could print their own 3D projects. Participants printed parts for artistic projects, pencil cases, a storage box for the car, a shelf holder, etc. The Tinkercad software was used for practical work and exercises, which helped the participants to master the subtleties of 3D printing.
The training started in December 2022 and continued until spring 2023. 7 sessions were organised, attended by 54 library users.
According to the participants, it was interesting to put the knowledge acquired during the training into practice immediately and the results were pleasing.
“This is the first training on 3D printers. Although the printers have been in use for a long time, I have not had the chance to ‘touch’ them and learn the principles of operation so clearly. I have worked in advertising with layout and drawing software. I understand the design programme. I think I can put my knowledge into practice. The principle and possibilities of a 3D printer are now very clear. As such training also requires special equipment, practical training is necessary. In general, practical training is much more useful than theoretical training. It is very clear and useful when the theoretical material we have just heard is immediately put into practice. It is possible that not everyone will be able to use a printer after training. But they will know that there is such a printer, they will understand how it works and what it can do”, Dainė Rinkevičiūtė said.
“I found out about the 3D printing training at the V. Kudirka Public Library by accident while browsing the internet. I was very attracted by the fact that the training is free of charge for anyone who wants to learn how to create and print 3D models. When I came to the training, it was great to see that people of all ages – from young people to seniors – were interested and came. During all the theoretical work, we were clarifying questions, discussing and having a lot of fun.
Later on, we were given an interesting task that required not only creativity but also cooperation. The next part of the session was about Tinkercad with very clear steps on how to create a model. I think that not only me, but also the other participants can now easily create the 3D object they want at home on their own. In addition, it was very useful to create a real existing object in virtual space, with precise measurements. I found this very useful when designing a part for my car, which I was able to print out thanks to the training. I managed to create a very accurate model, which was beautifully printed and is now used in my car.
For me, it’s amazing not only that I have created something that can’t be bought, but also that it’s my own work, which is used in the home and makes me happy every day. I think the benefits of this training are indescribable for anyone who wants to learn more about creating and printing 3D objects. It introduces the theory, how to plan the creative process and how to work with 3D software. I think that no one has any difficulties during the training, because everything is clearly presented and if anything, individual advice is given. The knowledge given is easily applied in everyday life, when creating decorations, details or household items”, said Gintė Ambrazevičiūtė, who participated in the 3D training.