3D Printing

The 3-D printer is here and objects are being made! We are still learning so please be patient with us!

Why does the library have a 3-D printer? Besides being awesomely fun? Libraries across the United States are getting 3-D printers as part of a push to become "maker spaces" in our communities. Libraries are incubators of ideas? Absolutely! We are not your fuddy-duddy library!

What kind of 3-D printer does the library have? We have one Lulzbot TAZ 6 printer and one Lulzbot TAZ Workhorse with 1.75 mm filament in a variety of colors. 

Who gets to use the printer? Right now, our expectation is that staff will assist with printing. As individuals get trained in how to use the machine, they will be allowed to use it on their own.

Is there a cost involved?

SMALL OBJECTS less than 25g $3.00

MEDIUM OBJECTS 25 to 50 grams $5.00

LARGE OBJECTS 50 to 75 grams $10.00

EXTRA LARGE OBJECTS over 75 grams $0.15 per gram

How long does it take? Depends on the size of the object and how many other print jobs are in line ahead of you. Some small objects can be printed in an hour or less. Larger and more complex objects may take a few hours or longer. We won’t be able to print anything that takes more than 12 hours.

Do I have to print one item at a time? You can sometimes print multiple objects at the same time if there is enough room on the print bed and you want them to be the same color. In some cases, this can save you time while printing projects with multiple pieces. You can submit up to three separate print files at a time.

What software do I need to print with the Lulzbot Taz 6 or Lulzbot Taz Workhorse? If you are looking to create your very own object, you will need to do so through a 3D modeling software such as TinkerCad, SketchUp, SolidWorks, or Autodesk Maya; otherwise, you can simply download models made by the community from free online databases such as Printables.com or Thingiverse.com. Once you have a 3D model, simply download and use the free software, Cura.

Can I build a gun at the library? Probably not. Staff have the right to veto certain print requests.

What is the biggest object I can print? Have you ever made a banner out of several sheets of copier paper? Technically you can make the object as big as you want by designing it in several pieces. The build volume is 11.02” x 11.02” (width and depth) x 9.8” (height) or 1,185 cubic inches, so each printed piece has to fit in that space. Your prints will likely be in millimeters: 280 mm (width and depth) 280 mm x 250 mm (height)

What kind of material does the 3-D printer use? This model uses many kinds of filament. Right now we are using a Polylite PLA (polylactic acid) which is made from renewable resources such as corn starch, tapioca roots, or sugarcane and is biodegradable. The filament size is 1.75 mm.

What colors of filament are available? Check with staff first about which colors are available before placing your order. We will try to have the following available: black, white, clear, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, pink. Note: clear filament does not print a see-through object unless your design is very thin. All other colors are completely opaque.

Can I print two colors at once? Our 3D printer does not have a double extruder at this time. You can print objects in parts using separate colors then glue them together. Also, acrylic paint adheres well to the printed objects.

Can library staff help design projects? Disclaimer: none of us are architects or engineers. We will help you to the best of our abilities, but it’s up to you to design your object so that it prints correctly.

How do I find something to print? There are several free plans available online. Here is a couple to try: www.thingiverse.com and www.printables.com

What are some good ideas for 3D print projects? You would be amazed at the possibilities! So far, we have successfully printed a soap dish, light switch cover, fidget cube, piggy bank, cookie cutter, picture frame, whistle, and pencil cup. You can try making phones cases, tabletop game pieces, education models, and custom cosplay costume parts. Use your imagination!

Can I print a copy of my hand? Not yet. We have a 3D scanner, but it isn’t available for public use at this time.

What is an easy way to get started with my own project? Find a free 3D plan from a website like www.thingiverse.comor www.printables.com. Download the .stl file. Download the free software, Cura. Import the .stl file, make sure the object fits the print bed and save as a .g file. Load it onto your SD card or USB drive and bring it to the library!

Want to know more? www.lulzbot.com