3D Printing

Unlock your creativity and bring your designs to life with our 3D printing service, available exclusively at our Eastside Branch.

Close up of a Bambu P1S 3D printer printing an object on the print bed.

About 3D Printing

Our Eastside Branch has two Bambu P1S 3D printers with a build volume of 256x256x256 mm3 (millimeters cubed) available to use on a first-come, first-served basis.

To use the 3D printers, you will need a valid WPL library card. You may print a maximum of once per day. No new projects can be started within 30 minutes of the library’s closing time. Staff will contact you once the print is complete. Customers are not required to remain in the library while their print is completing.

Customers have two options for printing:

  1. Print one item on the print bed (build plate) with no time limit, or;
  2. Print multiple items on the print bed (build plate) in a single print – the total print time must be 3 hours or less.

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.

How to Print

3D printing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To print, you must have a valid WPL library card card.

Please speak with staff to obtain a 3D Printing Kit. You’ll use the instructions provided in the kit while working on the library computers. Limited staff assistance is available when setting up your print job.

If both printers are in use, a Next in Line Kit may be available when an active print job has 3 hours or less remaining. Please speak with staff for more information.

For more details, check out our FAQ section below.

A 3D printed plane and Pikachu sit on the print bed of the 3D printer.

3D Printing FAQs

  • 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.

  • How do I get started printing when I get to the library?

    When you arrive at the Eastside Branch and want to use the 3D printer, just follow these steps:

    1. Speak with staff to obtain a 3D printing kit.
    2. Log onto a library computer. Follow the instructions inside the 3D printing kit. Prepare your print. Staff assistance is limited.
    3. Complete the 3D print slip from the kit. Start your print.
    4. Return the kit with the completed 3D print slip to staff. Staff will confirm information and ensure you have followed the print time policy.
    5. Staff will contact you when your print is complete. You are not required to stay in the library while the print is going.
    NOTE: If both printers are in use you may be able to become next in line, but only if one of the printers has 3 hours or less remaining on its current job. Staff will check the status and let you know. If you’re eligible, they’ll sign out a Next in Line Kit to you.
  • What if both 3D printers are in use when I get to the library?
    If both printers are in use a Next In Line Kit may be available. This kit may be offered when 3 hours or less is remaining on a current print job. Customers must remain in the library when signing out the Next In Line Kit. Speak to staff in person to enquire about this option.
  • 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.

  • What file types can I print?

    Our software accepts stl, obj and 3mf file types only.

  • What colours are available for printing?

    Black, white, red, yellow, green, blue, orange and purple.

    The Bambu P1S printers are able to print multiple colours at one time.

  • 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.

  • How can I find 3D designs that I can download to print?

    There are many sites online that offer 3D files that are ready to print. Many designs are free, some ask for donations, and others are available to purchase. Some popular sites for sharing and finding 3D designs to print include Thingiverse and Yeggi.

  • Do I have to use the filament that WPL provides?

    Yes. Customers must use the filaments (and colour) supplied by WPL.

  • Is there a maximum print time? Do I need to wait at the library for my print to complete?

    Customers have two options for printing:

    1. Print one item on the print bed (build plate) with no time limit, or;
    2. Print multiple items on the print bed (build plate) in a single print – the total print time must be 3 hours or less.

    Regardless of the option chosen, customers may only print once a day.

    You do not need to wait for the print to complete – staff will notify you upon its completion for you to pick up.

Looking for more cool tools and technology?

Ignite your creativity at our Maker Bar. Explore a world of possibilities with exciting technology.

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