You’re just a few steps away from your first 3D print!

OK, maybe it is and maybe it’s not your first 3D print. But it will be your first print from the library!

Let’s face it, most of us don’t own a 3D printer. Some of us have used one, most of us have seen one or at least seen something made with a 3D printer. And most of us have wished we had access to one.

Well, now you do! We’ve opened up the library’s 3D printer to print your files into reality. The only cost is for the filament you use (pretty minimal). It’s a simple, 3-step process:

First, complete the 3D print request form

Second, upload your .stl file (or files)

Third (and this is the hardest part):  Wait.

Wait for our confirmation and then wait a little more to get our email telling you that your print is ready to pick up. That’s it!

We’ll give you a price estimate with your confirmation and a final price when it’s printed. Just $.05 per gram of material.  There is some limit to what you can and can’t print. Realistically, if the design you want will take 30 hours to print, we can’t accommodate that. Most projects, however, are just fine.

I came across this little gingerbread house print (isn’t it cute?) at printables.com. I tried to get my son to print it at home but he kept forgetting.

I took matters into my own hands and filled out the library’s (short) print request form. I got my confirmations, and in less than a week was notified that my project was done.

I picked up my print when I came into work today. I did have a little cleanup to do with a craft knife to get the house to pop together.  This cleanup is typical with 3D prints and more noticeable on mine since it needed to fit together to be finished. The amount of cleanup on your print will depend on what you print, your print specifications and what you want to do with the finished print. I’ll probably glue my house together and paint the snow later this week. It cost me a whopping $.83 and to me, is totally worth it.

If you’re newer to 3D printing, do some exploring. You can find free print files at thingverse.com and printables.com. Many designs have feedback from people who have already printed them, which is super helpful when you’re learning. If you’re already acquainted with 3D printing, go get that design and send it to us to print.

It’s a pretty simple process with fun and useful results and another great service we’re happy to offer at Reed Memorial Library. The biggest question is, what will you print first?