3D Printing

Thanks to support from Black & Veatch, we provide the filament needed for 3D printing at no cost to patrons. 

You cannot bring your own materials for 3D printing 

Yes! We have an in-depth video tutorial for using our filament 3D printer created by our MakerSpace staff.

Manufacturer PDFs for set up and use can also be found here. 

The best way to get an accurate estimate for print times before you come into the MakerSpace:

1. Download free Ultimaker Cura app
2. Add a non-networked printer
   •  Ultimaker S5
3. Add AA .4mm and .AA .8mm print cores
4. Select Generic PLA
5. Open .stl or .obj file
6. Adjust print setting if needed and click Slice!
7. Once your file has finished slicing, a time estimate will be available 

If you have questions about this process, come in during open hours or send your question here.

Once you have reserved your time on the printer, the only thing you need to bring with you is the file for the 3D model you wish to print. We recommend .stl or .obj file types that are smaller than 10mb in size. You can bring your file on a storage device or access it via cloud storage or URL. 

If you are not able to stay for your completed print you can retrieve your completed 3D prints from the holds shelf. Prints will be held on the holds shelf for 10 days after which they are discarded.

You can print overnight on the Ultimaker S5. To print overnight, reserve the last evening slot for the 3D Printer and we can run the print past closing. Patrons are limited to one 3D print overnight per week, limited to eight hours total print time. Please check-in with MakerSpace staff before printing to ensure a successful print! 

Some exceptions can be made for prosthetics, community projects, etc. Ask us about how we can accommodate your project.  

A great way to get started 3D modeling is using a free web-based program like TinkerCAD, known for its simplicity and ease of use.

We have a few different types of 3D modeling software including access to Fusion 360 and Blender. We also highly recommend new users check-out TinkerCAD. 

If you are wanting to get inspired with ideas and download files created by others in the 3D printing community, we recommend checking out the following sites.  

• Printables   
• Thingiverse 

Patrons are more than welcome to bring their 3d printer in to the MakerSpace and utilize our tools to tinker and troubleshoot, but there is no guarantee that MakerSpace staff will be able to help you fix it. 

In the past we have helped patrons with 3d printers experiencing poor print quality, and other common issues with extrusion, leveling, and delamination.

We recommend reaching out to us ahead of time here with details about the printer and the issue before bringing it in to the MakerSpace.

Each of these provide a fairly deep dive into 3D printing, enjoy!

• FDM 3D Printing – Simply Explained from All3DP 
• The Complete Guide to 3D Printing from Xometry 
• Complete Engineering Guide to 3d Printing from 3d Hubs

To ensure consistent and reliable prints, patrons are required to use the Cura slicer connected to our 3D printers. The use of our slicer software allows our staff to review and validate prints for safety, while also providing valuable learning opportunities for patrons on file preparation. By standardizing the slicing process, we can optimize printer settings, maintain quality control, and ensure a safe printing environment. 

You cannot create anything designed for or capable of causing harm, such as firearms, knives, swords, and other items that could be used to inflict injury or intimidate. If you’re unsure whether your project might fall under this rule, please ask a Maker staff member before starting. Library staff reserve the right to stop any print or job at their discretion if it is deemed unsafe, violates library policies, or is otherwise inappropriate.