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3D Printing

The 3D printers of the Brentwood Public Library Adult Services Department will now be open to requests. Any Brentwood Public Library patron 13 or over may submit 3D models of their own design or from an open source website to be printed by our Prusa i3 Ender 3 Pro 3D, and Makergear M3 printers.

3D Printing Request Form


Choosing an item for submission:

You may design your own 3D model for submission, or download a model from an open source website.

Whether you create your own design, or select one from a website, understanding how 3D printers create objects is critical when submitting models for printing. The Brentwood Public Library uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers that print with PLA plastic. These are the most common variety of 3D printers available today.

Reading the following guides on designing models for FDM printing is highly recommended:
 

Choosing the Right 3D Printer: FDM vs SLA
https://www.makerbot.com/stories/engineering/choosing-the-right-3d-printer-fdm-vs-sla/

How to design parts for FDM 3D printing:
https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/how-design-parts-fdm-3d-printing/

Selecting the optimal shell and infill parameters for FDM 3D printing:
https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/selecting-optimal-shell-and-infill-parameters-fdm-3d-printing/

How to design parts for SLA Printing:
https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/how-design-parts-sla-3d-printing/


Creating your own 3D Models

There are several free programs available to create your own 3D models for printing!

Tinkercad.com - Tinkercad is a powerful, browser-based CAD program suitable for all ages and levels of skill.

Blender.org - For advanced users, Blender has tools for more complex modeling designs and is available for download on PCs and Mac.


Websites for Downloading 3D Models

The Brentwood Public Library recommends the following websites for downloading 3D models for printing:

Thingiverse.com - Thingiverse is comprised of over 500,000 3D models downloadable for free, under the Creative Commons License.

Myminifactory.com - MYMINIFACTORY consists of free downloadable 3D designs, as well as 3D prints for sale.


Printing Materials & Fees

PLA Plastic

PLA is the most popular material in use today for 3D printing. It is odorless, biodegradable and easy to form into intricate designs. Its main strengths are its ease of use and rigidity. Its drawbacks are a lack of tensile strength (it cannot support strong forces); and an intolerance for high heat (a hot car interior will melt PLA plastic).

Resin

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing process that uses a laser to cure photopolymer resin layer by layer. SLA is best suited for producing small, smooth parts with fine details requiring a high level of accuracy. SLA prints also lack tensile strength and require the handling of potentially hazardous materials. SLA prints become safe to handle after curing and drying. 

Neither PLA nor SLA 3D Printed materials are safe for use as food or beverage containers.

Material Fees (Adult print requests only)

Printing fees will be based on the estimated time a print takes to complete. These fees may be subject to change based on materials available. Currently, only adult patrons will be charged for printing. 

Current cost: $0.50 per hour of print time. Time is not to exceed 24 hours.  


Rules for submission for adults (18 and over):

  • Patrons may request 1 print per week. 
  • Submitted files must be in STL. format. 
  • For PLA Printed objects, the maximum dimensions of a printed object are 200 x 200 x 200 mm. 
  • For Resin/SLA Printed objects, the maximum dimensions of a printed object are 143 × 89 × 175mm 

  • Library staff reserve the right to resize submissions unless dimensions are specific in the request. 
  • Unless otherwise specified, the library will utilize shell, infill settings, and speed which will optimize filament usage. 
  • The Brentwood Public Library is not responsible for any damage or injury caused by 3d printed objects.  
  • After submission staff will process requests on a first come first serve basis.  

  • Patrons will be contacted via phone or e-mail with estimates of cost and time to be agreed to by patron before printing.  


Rules for teen submissions:

  • 3d Printing requests are for library card holders only. Patrons may request 1 print per month.
  • Submitted files must be in STL. format.
  • Print times must not exceed 10 hours. Teens will be charged for any prints that exceed 10 hours. 
  • Maximum dimensions of a printed object are:
    • 200 x 200 x 200 mm for FDM prints
  • Library staff reserve the right to resize submissions unless dimensions are specific in the request.
  • Unless otherwise specified, the library will utilize shell and infill settings which will minimize filament usage.
  • The Brentwood Public Library is not responsible for any damage or injury caused by 3d printed objects. 


The following objects will not be permitted for 3D printing:

  • Any items prohibited by state or federal law.
  • Weapons or weapon replicas. As well as any unsafe and otherwise harmful items.
  • Any items in violation of intellectual property rights, trademarks, copyrights, or patents.
  • Any items deemed obscene or inappropriate.
  • Furthermore, The Brentwood Public Library retains the right to reject any designs it deems unsuitable for printing, for any reason.