3D Printing
Build, design, and create to your imagination’s content by booking a time to use the 3D printers in our makerspace!
If you have an RHPL membership in good standing,* you can use our 3D printer to create three-dimensional (3D) objects from digital files, from guitar picks to small-scale replicas of buildings.
Our makerspace services include Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D printers with a building space of 9.84 x 8.3 x 8.3 inches. 3D printers use filaments to print, which are plastics (aka polymers) that can be shaped and moulded when heated and solidify when cooled. Our 3D printers use PLA filament of 1.75 mm (+/- 0.5) with a 0.4 mm nozzle.
3D printing is just one of our makerspace services. Visit our makerspace webpage to see what else you can create!
* RHPL members in good standing may use our makerspace equipment. Supervision by a parent or guardian is required if the user is under the age of 14.
Getting Started
Introductory Training
Before you can use our 3D printer on your own, you’ll need to complete our Maker 101: 3D Printing Workshop, which is available in a group setting or as a one-on-one workshop. After you’ve completed the workshop, you’ll be able to book time to use the equipment on your own.
Let's Create Something!
Once you’ve completed Maker 101: 3D Printing, you can follow the steps below to create your own item with our 3D printer.
Booking for Experienced Creators
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Find or create your model: You can find free, open-source designs from websites like Thingiverse or Prusa Printers. If you enjoy creating your own designs, you can download an application like TinkerCad, which will provide instructions and tutorials on creating your own model. Keep in mind that while we have a variety of filament colours available, only one colour can be used on your model at a time.
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Save your file: Ready to print your model? Save your file in one of the appropriate file formats (.stl, .obj) on a file hosting service like Google Drive or a storage device (USB flash drive or external hard drive). Staff will provide further information on how to use the PrusaSlicer software.
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Reserve our printer: Access our booking system for experienced maker appointments, and reserve your time with the equipment. Remember, you can only book use of our 3D printer for independent use after you've completed a Maker 101: 3D Printing workshop.
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Print your design: When you arrive for your appointment, check in with a team member at Central Branch's third floor Service Desk and we’ll help you access the machine and the required software. You’re expected to stay with the printer until the job is complete. Our 3D printers will give you a reasonable estimate of how long your print job will take. Depending on the size and complexity of your model, printing may take some time.
It's all about the details
Timing: Arriving more than ten minutes late may result in the automatic cancellation of your booking. All work should be completed 30 minutes prior to the branch closing; makerspace equipment will not operate after the branch is closed, and any jobs that are not finished at closing will be cancelled.
Materials: Only library-provided filaments and materials can be used. While we can provide you with an SD card to help you transfer your file from our IMac Creative Station to the 3D printer, you’re responsible for providing any other storage solutions that you might require (i.e. USB flash drives or web-based storage) for your files.
Your Project: makerspace use is subject to the approval of RHPL team members. Items that cannot be created include anything that is illegal under professional or federal law, unsafe, harmful, obscene, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the wellbeing of others. This includes weapons, weapon components or items resembling weapons, sexually explicit material, or material that is in violation of another's intellectual property rights, such as items subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection. The Library reserves the right to halt, delete or disallow the creation of items that it deems to be inappropriate or unsafe.
Responsibility: As the creative genius behind your work, you are responsible for your masterpiece. You are expected to monitor your work and are responsible for troubleshooting any issues related to your design. Any damage to our equipment will be your financial responsibility. We do our best to ensure our equipment is working properly ahead of your appointment. If there are problems with the equipment, please report them to us immediately.