3D Printing

3D Printing Policy | Getting Started With 3D Printing | Using the 3D Printers | 3D Print Specs | Submit a 3D Print Request


3D Printing Policy

The Library's 3D printing services are available to all patrons. Library staff reviews each file before it is printed. In accordance with the Library Board Approved Rules of Behavior Policy, the 3D printer may not be used to create weapons, firearms, replicas of weapons/firearms, or destructive materials. Library staff reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. Before submitting files, please check our 3D print specs for max print time, max print size, etc.


Getting Started With 3D Printing

3D printing is the process of taking a digital design file and turning it into a physical 3D object. You can download premade designs online or create your own designs. Bloomingdale Public Library owns two 3D printers, and we use plastic PLA filament to print. PLA filament is an environmentally safe, biodegradable plastic.

3D Printing Guides

Learn more about the technology and what to expect from your 3D prints.

3D Design Files

Ready to try out a 3D print? Check out the following sites for premade digital design files. If you'd like to make changes to a file, download a design and then upload it to your Tinkercad account or other 3D design software for further editing.

Create Your Own 3D Designs

Move beyond premade designs and create your own custom design.

  • Tinkercad - Beginner level website for creating 3D designs for printing
  • Tinkercad Tutorials - Guides on learning Tinkercad
  • LinkedIn Learning - Learning Tinkercad course - (Bloomingdale Public Library card required) Take a course on the basics of 3D modeling in Tinkercad, from adding and grouping 3D shapes to creating and duplicating patterns.
  • LinkedIn Learning - 3D Printing courses - (Bloomingdale Public Library card required) LinkedIn Learning offers numerous other videos and courses on 3D design software and printing, including Fusion 360, OnShape, Blender, and more.

Post-Process Your 3D Designs

Make your print finish smoother and more professional looking.

  • How To: Smooth and Finish Your PLA Prints
  • Post-processing for FDM printed parts


    • Using the 3D Printers

    The 3D printers are open to all library patrons. Read the 3D print specs below, then submit your 3D print request. A staff member will contact you within one week to confirm your file submission, your estimated print cost, and estimated print time.


    3D Print Specs

    • The library's 3D printing services are open to all patrons within Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Note that we are the Bloomingdale Public Library located in Illinois.
    • In accordance with the Library Board Approved Rules of Behavior Policy, the 3D printer may not be used to create weapons, firearms, replicas of weapons/firearms, or destructive materials. Library staff reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
    • Available 3D printers: Bambu Lab P1S, Lulzbot Taz 6 (equipped with an IT-Works E3D Titan Aero toolhead, 0.4mm diameter nozzle size)
    • Maximum print size: 280mm x 280mm x 250mm (11 in x 11 in x 9.8in)
    • Maximum print time: 8 hours (for all files submitted). If your project/files are over 8 hours total, you must break your project into smaller time increments. We only accept one 8 hour project per patron, per two week period.
    • File types accepted: .stl or .obj
    • Filament colors: Choose one color from the library's filament supply. Multi-color printing is not allowed. Filament color choices are available on the 3D print request form.
    • Filament type: PLA only
    • File names: If uploading a file, rename your print file as your first name and the color of filament. Example: Jamie Cool Grey.stl If you're submitting multiple files, please number your files. Example: 01 Jamie Cool Grey, 02 Jamie Cool Grey, etc.
    • Cost: 5¢ per gram, cash only. You will not be charged for failed prints.
    • Staff will contact you within one week to confirm your file submission, your estimated print cost, and estimated print time.
    • Please allow up to 2-3 weeks for prints to be completed. Prints are processed in the order they're received.
    • After staff notify you that your 3D prints are ready, you can pick up and pay for them in person at the Adult Reference Desk. Cash only accepted.


    Submit a 3D Print Request


    Questions?

    Questions about 3D Printing? Contact us at makerspace@mybpl.org.