There are a handful of 3-D printers in the Shreveport/Bossier area, and all are being put to different uses, according to the head of LSU Shreveport's animation and digital effects program. John Miralles purchased one several years ago through a grant. He said it’s enhancing the skill set of his students. The printer uses heated plastic in a layering process to turn his students’ computer designs into real objects.