August 2022: 3D Printing Currently Unavailable. Check back soon.
Monroe Free Library offers 3D printing services to our patrons free of charge. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a Computer-aided design model or a digital 3D model.
PRINTER
The library uses a LulzBot Mini 3D Printer to fulfill 3D Printing requests. The available print area of the LulzBot Mini is 152 mm x 152 mm x 158 mm (6 in x 6 in x 6.2 in). Please keep this in mind when designing objects for printing. Submitted models that exceed the print area will be scaled down and this may effect their utility or stability.
The library currently uses ABS thermoplastic filament to fulfill print requests. Colors include blue, yellow, white, gray, red, and green. Please note that due to supply, your chosen color may not be available. ABS models can be primed and painted after you receive them.
Due to the way 3D printing works, your model may have extra plastic attached when you pick it up. This extra plastic comes in the form of supports and rafts that you may have to be removed with tools.
SUBMISSION
Email your 3D models in .STL format to 3D@monroefreelibrary.org. A staff member will email you in return to confirm your submission. Printing time will vary depending on the size and complexity of the model, as well as how many print requests are in line. MFL strives to deliver 3D model requests within a week. When your print is complete, you will receive an email notification. You can pick up your model from the Children's Department during normal library operating hours.
Please note that Monroe Free Library reserves the right to refuse print requests that may be dangerous or inappropriate for a public setting.
3D DESIGN RESOURCES
TinkerCAD
https://www.tinkercad.com/
Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use web app that equips the next generation of designers and engineers with the foundational skills for 3D design.
Blender
https://www.blender.org/
Blender is fully-featured, free, and open source 3D modeling software that works on multiple platforms. It is widely used in the world of professional 3D modeling.
Blender Tutorials
https://www.blender.org/support/tutorials/
A collection of free tutorials to get started with Blender and to explore the more advanced Blender features. Newcomers should start with the "Complete Beginner Tutorial."
Thingiverse
https://www.thingiverse.com/
Thingiverse is a website dedicated to the sharing of user-created digital design files. Download the objects to alter or remix them in the software of your choice, or just browse for inspiration.