3D printers

3D printers were everywhere!

Denver Public Library's Program Coordinator, Nate Stone, gave demos on the free software he uses to create 3D models at DPL in its makerspaces.

They use SketchUp .stl software which is free but not open source. SketchUp

This is used to create the .stl files which are the ones the 3D printers can read.
All the steps are on his website:  Natestone's website

I stayed for the demo and created the 3D model below.  It was pretty easy to use.

Extensions to SketchUP that he recommended:

Cleanup Cubed: cleans up projects internally (gaps and such that aren't visible)
 Cleanup-Cubed

Solid Inspector: checks a model to ensure it is watertight. Points our gaps.
Solid-Inspector

Melvin, he'd be happy to chat about what he's done/learned so far.
He's also interested in how the Cube Models we received with the grant work out.