A two-inch-tall tugboat sits atop Nate Aubin’s desk at Blumberg Memorial Library—the adorable result of the first test-run on the 3D printer the university recently acquired. Aptly named “Benchy” by the industry, the tugboat is a common benchmark test for a new printer, and it’s just one tiny example of what this printer can do.

“There are other 3D printers on campus of course,” says Aubin, who is TLU’s Technical Systems and E-Resources Librarian. “But the library is a central hub, and this printer is for interdisciplinary use. People in any major with a project to do can come and print on it.”

Library Director Rev. Dr. Daniel Flores echoes that sentiment. "I am excited that the Blumberg Library now has a 3D printer for all students and faculty in every discipline at TLU. Just imagine what 3-D modeling can do for academic presentations in classes and conferences. This is a game-changer! Thanks to the BUENOS team for making this happen!"

The University purchased the printer with funds awarded through a Title V grant from the Department of Education. The grant covers the creation of the BUENOS Center for Excellence (BUENOS stands for Bulldog Undergraduates Engaging iN Opportunities for Success). The goal of the center is to meet the needs of TLU’s diverse student population through enhanced and inclusive programs, targeting students who are academically at risk. The grant also channels funds to professional development for faculty and staff, a series of career and academic development workshops, externships for in-demand jobs, new technology for both the library and the Center for Teaching and Learning, and a Spanish for Heritage Speakers program.

Aubin points to the many practical applications of the printer, from digital sculptures for design projects to models for physics classes to creating specialized parts or tools.

There are, naturally, steps one must go through in order to use the new printer. If a student is assigned a project that calls for a 3D print, first the professor needs to sign off on the project, and then the student can make an appointment with the librarian. Once the library gives its stamp of approval, a print time will be scheduled. “The printing time is overseen by one of us,” Aubin says. “And there are limitations, of course. You can’t print something that takes ten hours to print, for example.”

Benchy the tugboat, in case you’re wondering, took 15 minutes.