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A staff person at the Eastside Branch watching a 3D print job
About 3D Printing
3D printers can take a digital file you have created, found, or bought, and turn it into a real-life, three-dimensional object.
Our Eastside Branch has two 3D printers:
- An Ender 3 Max, with a build volume of 300mm x 300mm x 340mm
- An Ender 3 Max Neo, with a build volume of 300mm x 300mm x 340mm – OUT OF ORDER
You will need a library card to use a computer and send a 3D print. There is a maximum of one print per person per day. No new projects can be started within 30 minutes of the library’s closing time. Printing weapons or weapon parts (including cosplay props, accessories or toys), sexually explicit materials, drug paraphernalia, smoking accessories or other items that contravene the library’s Rules of Conduct is not permitted.
3D Printing FAQs
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How much does it cost to 3D print?
Customers will be charged for the total weight of the plastic used in the 3D print and any supporting structures at a rate of $0.03 per gram. For example, an average job, consisting of a two-hour print of 25 grams of material would be $0.75.
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What type of material do your 3D printers use?
Our machine prints computer designs in three dimensions using PLA, short for Polylactic Acid. PLA is a plant-based corn product, which is biodegradable to lessen the impact on the environment. Our PLA is made from Canadian sources. PLA can be plastic-welded, glued, sanded, and painted.
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What file types can I print?
Our software accepts OBJ and STL file types only.
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How can I make my own 3D designs?
There are many sites, tutorials and different software available online to learn how to make 3D designs. Occasionally, WPL offers 3D design workshops. For beginners, we recommend learning and creating your first 3D designs using Tinkercad. It’s FREE to use and has tutorials to get you up and running quickly once you create an account.
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How can I find 3D designs that I can download to print?
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Do I have to use the filament that WPL provides?
Yes. Customers must use the filaments (and colour) supplied by WPL.
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Is there a maximum print time? Do I need to wait at the library for my print to complete?
There is no maximum print time. You do not need to wait for the print to complete – we will notify you upon its completion for you to pick up.