Introduction to CNC Machines
Cutting Boards
Coasters
Other projects
Middle Country Public Library
CNC Machines for Libraries
As libraries continue to trend towards emerging technology, CNC machines are becoming more popular in Maker and Innovation spaces. A CNC machine uses programmable software and some standard shop tools to cut various materials — like 3D printing, it’s a type of manufacturing. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, and the machine itself might also be referred to as a CNC router. You might also hear the term “CNC Mill,” or CNC milling. Modern CNC machines are complex, but ultimately are powered by pre-programmed software that control the movements of a cutting attachment,which uses various drill bits.These movements create cuts in materials like wood and plastic, creating all sorts of items — even jewelry!
Traditional CNC machines can be quite large (some are even the size of a small room!) but there are some really great desktop and benchtop options on the market. Smaller CNC machines are great for libraries because of their more compact size and ease of use. While larger than a 3D printer, they are still small enough to be used on a table or workbench.
With a desktop CNC, you will be able to work with wood, some plastics, and possibly aluminum and other metals. Think about which projects would most interest your community and patrons, and make your decision on which materials you would like to work with from there. You want to be sure you have a machine that will meet the needs of your community, but also be manageable for staff.
Like 3D printers, every CNC machine will be designed differently, but each machine will have the standard parts and pieces:
XYZ axes: to help guide you while creating your designs
Motor:
Collet:
Bit: You can purchase as many bits as you’d like, or just use the basics, but always check to make sure that they’re compatible with your machine and project. Bits are changed to work with different materials, designs, and speeds.
Workspace: where you place your material so it can be cut. Materials will need to be clamped and secured to ensure they don’t move.
Unless you purchase a small, portable CNC machine, you might want to consider setting up the machine where it will stay. CNC machines require flat, stable surfaces and should be calibrated for the surface you plan to place it on.
You will need to know what you’re designing so you can adjust your machine appropriately. Designs for CNC machines can be made using various CAD programs (called CAM for CNC machines), as well as in Adobe Illustrator or free programs like Inkscape. Like 3D printers, CNC machines can handle GCodes, but unlike 3D printers, they can also handle SVG files, though many times the SVG file needs to be converted to a GCode.
Did you know? SVG stands for Scaleable Vector Graphic, and is a web-based graphics file.
It’s important to calibrate the machine before each new job. If the machine is not calibrated, it will not cut your design properly. The software you use will have the tools you need for calibration. Calibration
Once your design is running, it’s important to monitor the process as best you can to make sure there are no issues while cutting. When your design is done, be sure to clean your work area. Some people even use a shop vac for this, creating a dust show to capture debris while the machine cutting — these attachments can be purchased or 3D printed. You can also make or buy an enclosure for your machine if it doesn’t come with one, and depending on where you’re placing it.
So, why would you want this machine in your library? A CNC machine goes beyond wood burning. It can elevate your makerspace services. Patrons can make custom signs, cutting boards, even personalize a guitar! There are so many options. Patrons get to learn not only how to use a shop tool, but new computer skills as well! If you do go ahead and purchase a CNC machine, remember these important factors:
- Space for the machine
- Staff to learn how to use and manage it
- Patron interest
If you can make a CNC machine work for you, then you have an excellent tool to enhance your library services. Good luck!
Programs for Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality lends itself to all ages, and that versatility makes it perfect for quick, easy technology programs. The programs you plan will depend heavily on the device that you purchase. If you are using an inexpensive headset, you might want to consider having two or three purchased and available for a better experience. If you are using the Vive or Oculus Rift, your program will be based on one person using the device at a time. Here are a few ways you can get started:
- Create a weekly, bi-weekly, or
monthly drop-in program for patrons. Depending on the number of patrons
that attend, you might have to limit sessions with the Vive to one per
person from anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Have a number of apps or games
loaded and ready to go, and be sure to be ready to help out with
instructions at any moment.
- If you are working with something like the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, of PlayStation VR, you want to be sure you explain how to use the controllers to a new users, as they can be a bit tricky
- Travel/museum program: Using multiple headsets, or even just a few, have patrons virtually travel the world and see different museums with various VR apps. Google itself has a nice number of these apps, and sometimes even videos on YouTube work.
- All About Games: Load up some fun games for teens, older children, and even adults and have a lighthearted gaming competition! This can be done with almost any VR headset.
- 3D Design: For larger systems like the Vive and Rift, there are
virtual 3D design programs available for purchase. Patrons can create
their own design in VR, then they can be exported and possibly even
printed!
Outreach
Bringing a VR headset to an outreach event can help bring in new library users! Have a staff member demo VR, or create a sign-up sheet so community members can give it a try. Again, be sure to have a select number of games and apps available to give a brief but comprehensive VR overview.
Pro tip: If you are using a headset with fabric and padding in any of your VR programs, have gentle wipes on hand to wipe off the fabric in between users.
Programs for the Green Screen
Having a green screen provides so many fun opportunities for programs, outreach, or even drop-in pictures on your main floor.
Even with just a basic piece of green cloth and an app for your mobile device, you can create a fun, engaging experience for patrons. With chromakey software and apps for green screens, you can usually email and share images or even GIFs with your patrons, or go so far as to print out their funny pictures. Be sure to consider the space you’re using for the green screen, and if you have the time and money, maybe go all out with lights and a DSLR camera. You can recreate a photo booth experience right at the library!
Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Outreach: Select a range of backgrounds and bring the green screen and a mobile device like an iPad to outreach events. Have anyone who stops by your table take a fun picture, and send them an email with their picture. You can also bring props to make it more engaging.
Family photos: Have patrons come to the library to take their family holiday photos! Curate a fun selection of backgrounds for families to choose, and email and/or print the pictures for patrons. If you want to print pictures, you might want to consider purchasing a good quality photo printer, and limit sizes to 4×6 for printing on the spot. Emailing the patrons will allow them to use the photos however they would like.
Summer Reading Clubs: Use your green screen for any of your Summer Reading Club programs and celebrations. Find thematic backgrounds and props, and have fun!
Travel the World Virtually: If you’ve brought virtual reality (VR) to your library, do a virtual travel program! Have your patrons explore the world using a VR headset, then encourage them to take a picture at a landmark from that country using the green screen. Simple, easy, and fun! There are so many ways to incorporate a green screen into your programs and outreach efforts.
Programs for 3D Printing
After you have your 3D printer set up, your materials purchased, and your staff trained, you might want to put together some great programs for your community. This is an excellent way to introduce your community to 3D printing, and promote any upcoming services you might begin. 3D printing programs can work for patrons of all ages, with the exception of young children. If possible, bring your 3D printer to your programming room for these programs, or do a quick tour to your 3D printer if it’s on the public floor.
Here are just a few programs you can put together for your library:
- Introduction to 3D Printing: For adults and teens. An introductory lesson to what 3D printing is, how it’s done, and how the library can help. Bring your 3D printer with you so patrons can see the printer. Run a design during the class for an extra element.
- 3D Printing Design: For adults and teens. With a set of computers, teach your patrons how to use web-based CAD program TinkerCAD. All they need to do is set up an account with an email address to get started. You can walk them through creating a simple design — keychains work great. Then, print the design in their selected filament color, and leave them for pick up at one of your public services desk. Tip: have the patrons save the STL file to the desktop of their computer, and rename the file to include the patron’s name and filament color choice.
- Cookie Cutter program: For adults, teens, and older kids. Patrons can design their very own cookie cutter in TinkerCAD or a similar program, then you print them out! This is a great program to do around the holidays, or to celebrate National Cookie Day on December 4! Tip: have the patrons save the STL file to the desktop of their computer, and rename the file to include the patron’s name and filament color choice.
- 3D Printing for Businesses: Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce, or even
a few small business owners, and show them how to use 3D printing software
and the printer itself. This is a great way to meet with local business
owners, get them involved in the library, and gauge their interest in
additional programming — technology or not.
There are only a few ideas to get you started. You can run these programs monthly, bi-monthly, once a year, or however frequently you would like.
Programs and Library Uses for Vinyl & Paper Cutting
Your vinyl cutter creates almost endless possibilities for patron and staff use. Here you will find ideas to get you started in programs, displays, and decorations.
Your patrons can have
fun creating designs and then watching them print and come to life with the
library’s vinyl cutter. You can purchase supplies in advance for your program
attendees, or ask patrons to bring their own item of your specification. You
might also want to have certain elements of the designs already printed, and
attendees will build their custom creation from there. Choose what works best
for your library and community. You can always adjust after the first couple of
programs. Here are just a few programs you can do with your patrons:
- Storytime: For children. Use your cutting machine to create colorful and exciting crafts for storytime. This could help save money in the long-run, and you can fully customize your crafts to whichever story is being read that day.
- Greeting Cards! For adults and teens. Patrons get to customize
their very own card. This is a simple program that can be opened up to
many people. Be sure to have a selection or paper and designs available —
but not so much that it takes your patrons a long time to choose.
- Here is where you might want to have a certain number of elements already printed, including the card base itself, and have patrons choose what they would like to add to their card.
- You can also bring in gel pens, stickers, and other options for patrons.
- Glassware: For adults. Using vinyl, have patrons print out sayings or designs to be placed on glassware — glass mugs, tumblers, and even a glass vase are great for this craft.
- Canvas Art: For adults and teens. With small-medium size canvases, patrons can create their own work of art. You will need paint supplies for this program as well. Patrons choose a design that is printed on vinyl, apply it to their canvas, paint with whichever colors they would like, then peel off the vinyl to reveal a colorful design!
There are so many more programs available to you! Be prepared for a high volume of attendees and potential waitlists — these programs get popular!
Displays & Decor for Librarians
In addition to program
usage, you can use your vinyl and paper cutter to create beautiful displays in
any department. This allows you to fully customize your displays and get the
exact look you’re after. If you’re careful during takedown, you can save and
reuse these designs to reduce waste.
Programs and Ideas for 3D Scanning
3D scanning programs can be more than just a lesson on 3D printing — they can actually be fun! They are also simple to run with the right equipment. You can use a piece of paper and an app, the MergeCube, or go more detailed with a portable or desktop scanner.
Plan out your program in advance, and be sure that you have everything you need. It might be helpful to make a list of the equipment you will need in advance and create an action plan for the program. You might want to create a list of 3D scanning basics and tips for participants so that they understand how the technology works, and how best to scan an object.
Scan, edit, and view your favorite outdoor object: Great for children and young teens! Take a nature walk with a portable 3D scanner or a mobile device, and have participants find an object to scan. This can be a rock, leaf, flower, or something else — as long as it’s not too big. You can then have them view and move around their object on the computer. Be sure to guide your participants in scanning, having them work slowly around the object.
Digitize and view historical items: Schedule a museum or historical society visit and use a portable scanner or mobile app to scan and digitize historical objects. Before scanning, a representative from the organization can give a brief history lesson on the objects that will be scanned. This is a great trip for all ages, but particularly fun for children. The digitized objects can also be emailed to the organization you’re working with!
Scan and view an object in VR: Use the MergeCube or any other 3D scanner to scan an object in 360 degrees to be viewed and played with in virtual reality. This is fun to do with virtual reality game TiltShift, where you can paint and draw in virtual reality.
Vinyl Cutters for Libraries
Desktop vinyl cutters are becoming a staple for libraries around the country. A beloved tool of crafters and hobbyists, these machines are no longer just for vinyl! They cut cardstock, iron-on paper, and other materials like leather as well, opening up a world of possibilities for you and your patrons. These machines are the Ellison die of the 21st century! If you’re thinking of purchasing one for your library, there are some things you should know.
The term “vinyl cutter” also applies to large format printers that print on vinyl — these are popular for businesses. You can also use the term “paper cutter” or “cutting machines” for the smaller machines we will be discussing.
There are different brands of vinyl cutters available, with the two most popular being Cricut and Silhouette. These machines come with their own web-based software and libraries of fonts and images. Many of those digital fonts and images will need to be purchased (they do not expire). If you plan to loan out one of these machines to patrons, you will want to encourage them to create their own accounts for these services.
Materials
There are a number of supplies needed for vinyl cutters, so be sure to consider this when you are looking at whether to purchase one. Here are just some of the supplies you can purchase:
- Cardstock & Paper: the most frequently used materials for these machines will be cardstock and other paper. This paper is specifically crafted for cutting machines, and come in numerous colors, thickness, and patterns. There are also specialty papers available, like scrapbook paper, sticker paper,
- Vinyl: There are different types of vinyl available, including adhesive, removeable, foil,
- Iron-on paper: This paper helps transfer designs onto fabric.
- Transfer tape and paper: These materials will allow vinyl and other papers to be easily transferred onto different items and fabrics, and can actually be used more than once. You can also use regular contact paper.
- Markers: Markers can be used in place of blades to draw different designs.
Parts and Tools
Vinyl cutters come with many different parts, pieces, and tools to operate efficiently. It is important to remember that a number of these tools and pieces can be sharp. Here are some of the basics:
- Blades: these blades are the pieces of your machine that do the cutting! There are different types of blades for different materials and kinds of cuts, so check your manufacturer’s guides and tutorials on which blades you will need. It is also important to maintain and replace blades so that they do not get too blunt. Keep extra blades on hand.
- Cutting mat: These mats are where your design will be cut, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. They are sticky and come in different grip strengths. Many of these cutting mats are considered “self-healing.” Self-healing mats are usually made with rubber, and are designed to compress when a design is being cut. This helps prevent cuts from causing too much damage to the mat. However, over time, the mats will need to be replaced. Mats can be cleaned with non-alcohol wipes.
- Scraper and Spatula: these tools do exactly what they say! The scraper helps to quickly remove scraps and other debris from your cutting mat, and the spatula allows you to carefully lift a design from the mat.
- Weeding tools: The weeding tool is excellent for carefully lifting vinyl off the mat. Weeding tools come in a few different shapes, including tweezers to lift small pieces of vinyl, hooks for larger pieces, and a piercing tool — among others.
Software
Most vinyl cutter manufacturer’s will require you to use their own software and programs to work with their machine. These programs are generally web-based, but mobile apps will be available as well. These programs come with both image and font libraries to help you create designs. Some of these images and fonts are free, while others will not. You can also upload your own images and fonts, so you are free to design your own images in programs like Photoshop or Illustrator, or even free programs like InkScape.
It is important to take some time and learn about the software that you are using, as there will be a slight learning curve. You will want to know how to upload and manipulate images and text; how to work with pre-made templates; how to use the canvas space given to you; and more.
Like all technology, cutting machines require trial and error, patience, and lots of practice. Give yourself time to work with your new machine before you make it available to the public. Once you are ready, you will immediately see the fun your community can have!
Laminating 101
Laminators are sometimes our most requested item for patrons to use! Whether you want a laminator for the library, or want to make one available, these machines are handy to have. Here are some basics on laminators for libraries.
There are two main kinds of laminators: hot and cold. Hot laminators use heat to melt adhesive and fuse together the material and plastic. They tend to be a little larger than cold laminators. Cold lamination uses pressure and adhesive to fuse items together, and can range in size. Which laminator you use or purchase will depend on what your laminating needs are.
Hot Laminators
Hot laminators area great choices for anyone looking for high quality and sometimes thick plastic lamination. The plastic available for hot laminators varies in size, thickness, and material, and the process itself is fairly quick. The materials for hot laminators are also less expensive than those available for cold laminators. However, because of the heated element, some inks and papers can be melted during the lamination process. During the heated lamination process, bubbles can also occur, meaning you might have to start over again. The process itself is simple, though you do need a little bit of time:
- Power on and heat up the laminator and wait about 10 minutes until it is heated
- Select the proper setting for the material you are using
- Place the item or items being laminated in the feeder, and run the lamination process
- Wait until the process is complete, then slide the blade to cut the plastic
Cold Laminators
Cold laminators are a logical choice for many, as they do not require any heat, they move quickly, and there are very few steps involved in the process. You also have more control over the process, as cold lamination generally involves a manual hand crank. However, materials for cold laminators are less varied than materials for hot laminators, and are also more expensive. Here is the easy cold lamination process:
- Place the items on the laminator feeder
- Use the hand crank to pull the items through
- Slide the blade to cut the plastic
Podcasting: The Technical Side
Libraries are podcasting! Whether supplying the equipment and/or space, running programs, or even creating their own, podcasts are a hit for libraries. Keep reading if you are looking to get started in either creating your own podcast for your library, or supplying space and equipment for your community.
Podcasting equipment can be as simple as a smartphone or tablet and a good app such as Anchor or one of these You could also go big with a recording booth and a Mac, quality microphone, headphones, and soundboard. To start off we suggest if it’s a one person podcast a simple lavalier mic will work, if you want to have multiple people on your show one of the Blue microphones are high quality like the Snowball or the Yeti, but feel to research microphones to see which would be best suited for your podcast needs.
You’ll want to have audio editing software to make the most of your podcast. You’ll edit out all of your mistakes you made while recording (we all make them), even simple um’s and ah’s can be edited out to make it sound cleaner, it’s also recommended that you add music to set the tone for your podcast. All that will be done in an editing software. You can use one of the apps mentioned above or free software like Garageband that comes preloaded on most Mac computers or Audacity. Audacity is a free open source software that can be downloaded to a Mac or PC. The learning curve on Audacity can be steep but there are many tutorials online you can watch. As you progress in your podcasting you may want to look into paid softwares such as Hindenburg. You can find free music, fair use music in the YouTube Audio Library and many other places online.
Now that you’ve recorded and edited your podcast you will want to upload it to a site so that your patrons can have easy access to it and you can also share it through all your social medias. When you start a Soundcloud account you get 180 minutes worth of uploading for free. Depending on how long your episodes are this could be several episodes which is a great start.
When you upload your file, Soundcloud recommends a lossless HD file format such as FLAC, WAV, ALAC, or AIFF, you’ll be able to title it and add any metadata you would like. Once you hit save you will get a link you can copy and share through social media or embed on your libraries website. After you 180 minutes are up you can sign up for a Pro account or you can look into websites like Podbean, Blubrry and Himalaya just to name a few. These sites are all specific to hosting podcasts and provide data and other features but they do require a paid subscription.