3-D printers are becoming more and more ubiquitous in Texas libraries. In nearly every library I’ve visited in the last year, even smaller, rural libraries, it seems like these devices are getting more and more popular with patrons.
The Library Digital Opportunity team spoke recently with Christina Granados, Teen Program Coordinator at Fort Worth Public Library, about a CAD (Computer Aided Design) contest they held in 2024 using their 3-D printers. “Fort Worth is a big and sprawly place with a population of nearly one million and 20 library locations, and there is a 3-D printer in nearly every location, offering them for free public use,” Granados said. “3-D printers give young learners exposure to a new technology and is a stepping stone for deeper learning.”
The contest was open to teenagers, 6th grade through 12th, in the Fort Worth area. Contestants could compete individually or as a team. It was timed to line up with students going back to school in September.
The rules were simple: Use any CAD program to design a 9” bridge, 3-D print the bridge in the time allotted, then compete to see which bridge is strongest. For first prize, the winner would receive a 3-D printer. A 3-D printing pen was second prize. “The goal was to make them creators in technology, not just consumers of technology,” Granados said.
Jorge Perez, a Lab Specialist at the library and former high school engineering teacher, came up with the idea. Using his expertise, Jorge looked at pre-existing competitions from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
After the contestants finished their designs in CAD, the bridges were 3-D printed at the library with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a thermoplastic material that is strong, durable, and heat resistant.
The printed bridges were then judged by library staff based on their functionality, symmetry, and aesthetics. While there was a focus on construction, the main test was strength, and a playful element of destruction was added to determine the winner. Weights were added, bit by bit, until the bridge finally broke.
We asked Granados how she marketed the contest. “Our Education and Outreach team made some inroads with educators at the ISDs (Independent School Districts), and they shared the contest fliers our Communications team made. At Educator Day in the District, we invited them all to come in and the library had an outreach table with a 3-D printer going. We told them, we’re doing this contest if you can incorporate it into your curriculum.” For this year’s contest, she said they’ll be looking to raise even more awareness.
To learn more about 3-D printing and other S.T.E.A.M. related activities at Fort Worth Public Library, visit their website.
