3D Printing Policy and Procedure

Print
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option

The Library strives to offer the community access to new and emerging technologies to inspire a new interest in creation and collaboration@your library. This policy establishes guidelines for the public to use the Library’s 3D printer.

  • The Library’s 3D printer is available to the public to make three-dimensional objects using a design that is uploaded from a computer file.
  • The Library’s 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes.  The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printer to create material that is:
  1. Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
  2. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
  3. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
  4. In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
  • The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
  • Generally, the Library will print objects that will take less than four hours to print. If it will take longer, it may be subject to delays and/or notification from staff.
  • Items printed from the Library’s 3D printer that are not picked up within 14 days will become property of the Library.  Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them.

 

The procedure for printing from the Library’s 3D printer is as follows:

Design creation:

  • Any 3D drafting software may be used to create a design as long as the file can be saved in .stl or .obj format and the file size is no larger than 20MB.

 

Submitting a file for printing:

  • Persons wanting to use the 3D printer must submit a proposal form.
  • The files will be readied for printing in Cura or other authorized software. 
  • Library staff will review all files in Cura or other authorized software before printing.
  • Staff will add the model to the printing queue. Patrons will be notified by email when their job is completed and ready to be picked up. In addition, staff will reach out if they have any questions or encounter any issues with your submission.
  • The Library will schedule only one print per day per person or entity if there is a high demand. 
  • The maximum dimensions are 11 in. x 11 in. x 9.8 in. (27.94 cm length x 27.94 cm width x 24.89 cm height)If the print job exceeds these dimensions you will be notified about a possible alteration of the size in order to allow us to print your model.

Cost: There is a $1.00 fee per request per file. In addition to this fee, there is also a charge of $0.05 per gram based on the weight of the item and the use of filament. If your print job will cost more than $5.00, you will be notified by email.

Please note that procedures governing the use of the Library’s 3D printer are subject to change.

Disclaimer: The Library cannot guarantee model quality or stability, confidentiality of designs, or specific delivery times.  Print quality can be affected by any number of variables. The Library does not refund printing fees for completed items which do not come out as intended due to options selected by the individual requesting the 3D print, including but not limited to scale, quality, design, required support material, etc.