Glowforge 3D laser printing machine donated to Pocatello library
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POCATELLO — The Marshall Public Library recently acquired an exciting new piece of technology, thanks to a donation from the Friends of the Marshall Public Library.
The Glowforge is 3D laser printer acquired by the library to help advance the teaching of STEM-related topics. The printer uses a laser to engrave words, images and other designs onto a variety of surfaces. The Glowforge is easy to use and accurate to within a thousandth of an inch.
According to a press release from the library, the Glowforge will “cut wood, fabric, leather, paper, Plexiglas (acrylic), Delrin (acetal), mylar, rubber, Corian, foods, and more. Glowforge can also engrave all of the above plus glass, coated metal, marble, anodized aluminum, titanium, some phones, tablets, and laptops, and more laser safe materials.”
The machine gives the library a new way to illustrate the uses of laser technology.
“Laser technology has so many applications and we are excited to introduce these to patrons with the Glowforge,” MPL spokesperson Cresta Craner said in the press release. “This allows the library to bring a whole new aspect of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to our community.”
The latest addition to the library’s STEM education arsenal, the Glowforge joins the library’s collection of 3D printers, Edison robots, science kits and more.
The acquisition of the machine was made possible through a $7,000 donation from the Friends of the Marshall Public Library. According to the organization’s Co-President, Eliza Schmidt, the donation reflects the Pocatello community’s dedication to providing relevant educational opportunities.
“This is the money the community has generously spent at the Friends of the Marshall Public Library used book sales in action,” Schmidt said in the press release. “Every penny we raise goes to the library for things they would like to buy, but isn’t in their budget.”
“The Glowforge will be able to show the public something that most people would not usually get to see, and like the 3D printers that are in the library, patrons can see it at work,” she added.
Marshall Public Library patrons who would like to learn how the Glowforge works can contact Cresta Craner at 208-232-1263 ext. 100. Eventually, plans are in the works for the library to host in-person Glowforge programming sessions.
You can learn more by visiting the Marshall Public Library’s website or Facebook page. You can also learn more about the Friends of the Marshall Public Library by clicking here.