Library Services at our libraries 3D printing

3D printing

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a way to make three-dimensional objects from a digital file. 

3D printing creates objects by adding material layer by layer. Imagine stacking very thin slices of material on top of each other until the whole object is formed. Each slice is like a tiny piece of the final object.

Our libraries have 3D printers available for our community. 

How to use our 3D printers

Want to give 3D printing a try? Follow these steps.

  1. Get your 3D model file ready (You can find some ready-made models from Thangs or make your own using TinkerCAD or Blender).
  2. Submit the form below.
  3. We will review the model and provide a quote by email based on material used.
  4. Once the quote is accepted, the model will be added to print queue.
  5. We will let you know once the print is ready for collection.

Our 3D printer

The library has two 3D printers — a Bambu Lab P1S and a Bambu Lab X1 Carbon — and we use Bambu Studio as the slicing software.

Maximum print size

The maximum print size (also known as build volume) our 3D printers can produce is 220(w) x 200(d) x 250(h) millimetres.

This printer can help you get started with desktop digital fabrication. For mass production, large or complicated jobs, like replicating many parts, we suggest looking at local commercial printing services.

Print colour

All prints by default are white, however if you'd like a specific colour or have multiple parts that need to be different colours, please add this in the 'Printing notes' section in the online form below.  We'll let you know if we don't have your preferred colour and can find alternative colours if need be.

Pricing

$0.10 per gram (please note: there is a $2 minimum charge to all prints)

The weight of any support material required to print your model is included in the price.

Material usage calculation is done by the slicer software. If you wish to figure out how much material will be used in your print based on the settings you choose, you can download Bambu Studio and test it yourself.

Printing material

The library prints using PLA plastic filament, which is biodegradable and non-toxic, though NOT food safe. Colour will be random.

We do not print:

  • Weapons

  • Copyrighted designs without permission

    • If you are printing such an item, we will require proof of permission.

  • Objects that are obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.

The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. 

Safety note

The filament we use is not high-strength and we do NOT recommend using objects made on our printer anywhere they may cause a safety concern (car parts, etc.)

    Print failures

    Sometimes prints fail. It could be a problem with the model file, the printer, or the filament. We will do our best to print your model and work with you to get it done. We will make one more attempt at printing at no additional charge if the initial print fails.

    Finishing

    Library staff will not be doing any cleaning and removal of support material. Clean-up and assembly of multi-part models is left to you. 

    Waiting time

    Printing wait times can vary depending on the items being printed and the length of the queue. The library will do our best provide an accurate estimation.

    If you require any help, please email [email protected]