Parkland Community Library recently presented a discussion and demonstration of 3D printing in the South Whitehall Township building.

Becky Wanamaker, adult services librarian, hosted the program presented by Dr. Hal Scholz, instructor of physics and engineering at Penn State, Lehigh Valley.

Scholz discussed the history of 3D printing and its evolution as a modern technology in widespread use today.

The advantage of 3D printing is it is an additive process where a component is built in the printer from plans entered via computer as opposed to the normal subtractive process of traditional machining of metal or plastic to form a component.

Three D printing can be more precise as well as create necessary void spaces in a part as may be needed by design.