3D Printing at The Library District

Library 3D printers may be reserved and used under the following conditions:

• A valid library card in good standing is required to make a reservation.
• Prior to using 3D Printing Zones, customers will undergo training administered and verified by the library. Dates, times, and methods of customer training are decided at each library branch’s discretion.
• Upon successfully completing training, library branch staff will add a qualification code to the customer’s library card to qualify them to use the system.
• 3D printing is available to all trained customers age 10 and older.
• Children under the age of 10 are not allowed to operate the 3D printers.
• Vulnerable persons will require caregiver supervision while using 3D printers.
• Prints must be completed during library operating hours under the guidance of a trained staff member or volunteer. For safety reasons, prints may not be scheduled to run overnight or during closed library hours.
• Staff and trained volunteers will not design or program on behalf of customers but are encouraged to monitor all customer prints during the customer’s session and cannot guarantee model quality or stability, confidentiality of designs, physical security of printed objects, or specific delivery times.
• The library must approve all print jobs. Prints must not be:
  • Prohibited by local, state, or federal law;
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others;
  • Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment; or
  • A violation of intellectual property rights or copyright law.

Printing Limitations:

• 3D prints will be restricted by size and project time (up to four hours per day).
• At DIY locations with Original Prusa i3 MK3S+, 3D prints may not be larger than maximum print size of 25×21×21 cm or 9.84"×8.3"×8.3" (X×Y×Z).
• Customers will be responsible for creating their own internet accounts and designing the objects they are printing. They are expected to understand how to download, modify, slice, and print 3D models.
• Prints are sent to the printers by customers using a USB-attached laptop computer. Wi-Fi printing is not permitted.
• Customers seeking to print large objects should consider separating their 3D models into smaller parts.

Filament, Supports, and Rafts

• Only approved PLA filament which is supplied by the library is available for printing.
• All print jobs will be a single color; multi-color printing is not available. Color of filament is managed at staff discretion, and specific colors are not guaranteed.
• Library staff or volunteers will not remove rafts or supports included in any project. Rafts and supports removal is the responsibility of the customer.
• Library staff may provide tools for raft and support removal (if available). These tools are for borrowing only and are property of the Library District. Customers may not leave the branch with any of these tools in their possession.

Reservations and Cancellations

• Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservation schedules and availability are subject to each branch.
• The library reserves the right to limit reservation time, conditions, and cancellation policies.
• Depending on the branch use schedule, printing may be reserved for up to four hours maximum.

Software and Printing 

• 3D models will be accepted in an .STL or .OBJ file format.
• All prints must be converted into .GCODE file by customer using PRUSASLICER software.
• In PRUSASLICER, “SPEED” or “DRAFT” settings are encouraged for prints estimated to take more than one hour.
• .GCODE files will be sent to Prusa printer, primarily, from USB-connected laptops using OCTOPRINT software.

Misuse of 3D Printer

• Customers will be trained on the use of the equipment and are advised of the risks (such as burn, electrical, and mechanical hazards). involved with operating 3D printers. They will be responsible for adhering to the safety guidelines presented by library staff.
• Misuse of the 3D printers, intentional damage to District hardware or network, and/or failure to follow 3D Printing Zone Guidelines will result in the loss of 3D printer privileges, potential loss of library privileges, and financial responsibility for any damage.
• The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 U.S. Code) governs the making of reproductions of copyrighted material. The person using this equipment is liable for any infringement.
• The District is not responsible for any object created with the use of the equipment, including any harm or injury incurred as a result of any usage of the equipment.

Additional Resources

• 3D Printing Handbook
• Basics of 3D Printing