Louis Hébert was hooked. As soon as he tried one of the 3D printers in the Discovery Zone at the Central Library, it sparked something in his creative brain. From a hobby to contributing crucial equipment for Canadian Paralympians, this is a story of a life-long learner who tried something new and ran with it. You can see his work in the display case in the lobby of the Central Library until January 30. WPL recently sat down with Louis to find out more about the inspiration behind his wonderful designs.
WPL: What started this journey into the world of 3D printing?
Louis: I spent my career in the injection plastics industry, so I have a background in plastics. Before my journey into 3D printing began, I knew about the technology, I was also aware the cost of equipment was going down, but I never had an opportunity to try it. Then my youngest daughter visited the Whitby Public Library with her children during their vacation and saw an introductory course on 3D printing. As soon as she gave me the details, I enrolled. It was a discovery for me.
WPL: You’ve received recognition for your work. Can you tell us more about that?
Louis: I was a mold designer for the first ten years of my career. Then I became a technical adviser and finally as the managing director for an international firm in Toronto. When I retired, I took this opportunity to update my skills with computers. I was designing things just for fun. This allowed me to be creative and imagine whatever came to my mind. I started publishing my models for other 3D printer enthusiasts. These can be downloaded for free at Printables.com.
One day, I received a request from a father in Ukraine to design doll shoes for his daughter Eva. He sent me pictures of the shoes she wanted via chat messages. I made the drawing and sent it to him to 3D print the shoes. He told me she was very happy and he started to learn to draw with software.
When PRUSAlive streamed live on YouTube (now they use podcasts), I would watch them once a month. At the end of one particular broadcast, they announced a contest. They would showcase the three best 3D part creations published worldwide during that month on Twitter. I was awarded second place with my Core XY model. It was something very special for me to see PRUSA Research leader Joseph Prusa speaking live on the internet about my model!
WPL: In the Library display, there’s a curling diorama that’s particularly special. What’s the story behind this design?
Louis: I had the privilege to be selected by the Canadian Paralympic Curling team as a designer six months ago. I had an interview with the director of the program and the Paralympic gold-winning champion and was offered the role to design and 3D print the prototypes. It is very rewarding to meet and chat with the athletes, coach, and director regarding their requirements to create the next generation of head stick. This device is an extension of their hand. The mechanic and the motion involved are complex. They agreed to have my brother, a retired mechanical engineer, join the team. The task is now completed, and the national curling team is using the new stick head. In this diorama, I wanted to pay tribute to them.
WPL: There are many amazing examples in the display. Where does the inspiration come from for your work?
Louis: It is people. There is always a story or a person connected to my models. As an example, I helped my neighbour Jerry to make eyes for his model Ukrainian Kozak head (circa 1600). I made a bracket for my great RC flight instructor Wolfgang to hold his Light Beam on one of his helicopters. Duncan, a member of our Whitby Aero Modeler RC Club could no longer find a replacement engine cowling for one of his vintage RC planes. I designed and built one for him. A friend Claude asked me to print a replacement part for his favorite folding camping chair which was broken. I always like to be challenged and learn something new. My last project was a mounting housing for an accelerometer used for the Paralympic Curling. Even though plastics are challenging our environment, if used wisely, 3D printer technology can reduce the quantity of items we sent to the landfill. In the display, I show a small pully that was 3D printed to repair a damaged vertical blind in my living room. Five hundred dollars’ worth of savings and nothing in the garbage.
WPL: What advice would give someone thinking of giving 3D printing a try.
Louis: I know many people that purchased 3D printers and gave up. It’s a big advantage if you are a tinker. Many of the low-cost 3D printers need calibration and have to be tweaked to work properly. I recommend registering in an introductory course like the one offered at Whitby Public Library. Learn with the 3D printers available at the library. Download simple and small models that interest you and get started. Get comfortable with PLA filaments before trying something else. You may not have access to the latest technology available, but you will learn from it. Take small steps and then try to find a mentor especially if you are not a self-learner. If you want to bring to the next level, learn how to draw on a computer to make your own models. Ther are several free software available such as TinkerCAD, Fusion, Blender, FreeCAD, SketchUp, etc. These tools offer a range of features and capabilities, making them suitable for different types of projects and skill levels.
As a young child and through my teenage years, I always liked to draw and build things. I was building my own models out of cardboards and papier-maché. I became passionate about arts, sciences and technology. There is no age to start, it’s a learning experience and it’s very rewarding.
WPL: Thank you Louis and wishing you all the very best!
Looking to try 3D printing at the Library? As part of the Senior's Wellness Series, check out the 3D printing program on February 11 at the Central Library. Register here.