3D Printer Policy

The Buchanan County Public Library provides 3D printing for the public on a limited basis.  Printing is done by scheduling printing time through the library’s Maker Space.  Before time can be scheduled the patron will need to attend a library program that demonstrates the 3D printer, Book-a-Librarian for a one-hour demonstration of the 3D printer, or complete an online Niche Academy training for the equipment and present that certificate to the Maker Space staff.

Terms of Use and Copyright

BCPL reserves the right to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that are: Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous and could pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.  Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.  In violation of another’s intellectual property rights.  For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, trademark protection, or not covered under Fair Use.

BCPL is not responsible for patron’s property, including digital property.  While staff will aim to ensure prints come out correctly, we cannot be held responsible for unsuccessful prints.

Cost of 3D printing

BCPL supplies filament for 3D prints, at the cost of $.20 per gram.  If your print requires supports or rafts to print correctly, the additional weight will be calculated into your final cost.  Patrons who wish to use their own filament will need to discuss this with a Maker Space staff member.

To use the 3D printer:

Step: 1. Design your model for printing using a computer-aided design (CAD) software program. There are numerous open source and free software options to render your digital model including Tinkercad, OpenSCAD, and Sketchup. Users will need to submit their file in .STL file format in order for library staff to convert the file to one that the 3D printer will read. If you do not wish to design your own 3D object, there are sources to find models already designed that you may print or alter and then print. Three of these resources are Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, and Yeggi.

Step: 2. The library will schedule only one 3D print per day per person or entity. Items printed from the library 3D printer not picked up within two weeks will become the property of the library. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them. Legal guardians may pick up items for minors. If you have several files to print, please submit each of these separately by filling out a separate 3D Printing Request Form for each print. All submissions are subject to approval based on scheduling and availability.

Step: 3. Arrive a few minutes early for your Maker Space appointment. Late arrival may mean that the appointment will be rescheduled.

Step: 4. Sign a waiver agreeing to be responsible for your use of the equipment and acknowledging that the Buchanan County Public Library is not responsible for the quality of your project. Users may see imperfections in their prints.  You can clean up some of these with fine sand paper or other tools.  Support material is often needed if the design has large overhangs.  Staff will not be responsible for removing any supporting material for the user.

Step: 5. Start and complete your project.