3D Printing at the Athens-Clarke County Library
3D Printers in the DMC
How to 3D print at the DMC
1) Download/create an .stl file
- Download a 3D file from Thingiverse.com, Pinshape.com, Sketchfab.com, Smithsonian 3D, or other online resource.
- Create a 3D file yourself using software such as Tinkercad, SketchUp, or Blender.
2) Meet the requirements
- Format: .stl file
- Size: 11 x 11 x 11 inches maximum. Re-scale or divide your print into smaller parts if necessary.
- Printing time: 3 hours or less
- Design: Are there any thin areas that may break upon removal from the print plate? If your design is tall, does it have a sufficient base?
- Test your print with MakerBot Print for printing with the Makerbot or Cura Lolzbot Edition for printing with the Lolzbot.
3) Schedule your print
- Contact the DMC at 706-613-3650 (x310) or by filling out our appointment/reservation form.
- A DMC staff member will contact you back to discuss your 3D print and to set a time to pick up your 3D print.
- A DMC staff member will print your 3D model for you. However, you can observe the printing if you wish.
- Choose a color for your 3D print.
- Filament colors are limited to what is in stock. Single color.
- DMC supplied filament only.
4) Pay and pick up your print
- You can pick up your print at the DMC or Reference Desk on the 2nd floor of the Athens-Clarke County Library.
- 3D prints cost $0.15/gram of filament (rounded to the nearest gram).
- Cash or check only.
- No charge for failed print, unless the DMC staff determines the failure is caused by a design flaw.
- Patrons who cancel a print that is printing successfully will be charged for the filament used.
Print Failure and Equipment Damage
3D printers, printer parts, and filament are expensive. Any damage that you cause to the printer itself can result in replacing the entire printer.
- Print failures caused by a printer malfunction (filament clog or break, extruder malfunction, etc.) will be fixed by the DMC staff. Patrons are not to attempt to repair the printer. The patron may re-print or the patron's money will be refunded.
- Print failures caused by a poor design or print process (e.g., print is too fragile or your design contains flaws which prevent successful printing) will be charged for whatever printed. You will need to redesign and correct the design.
Legal Limitations
The 3D printer may not be used for unlawful purposes including, but not limited to, the following content:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses a threat to the well-being of others (knives, guns, etc.).
- In violation of another's intellectual property rights
Supervision of the use of the 3D printer by Library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgement, of any intended use of the 3D product, and the Library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof. Patrons may use their 3D objects for purposes other than display at their own risk.
Privacy
The 3D Printer is located within public view and the Library cannot guarantee that any particular print will not be seen by members of the public.