3D printing is a manufacturing process to build objects layer by layer from a 3D design file, using a polylactic acid (PLA) filament (a renewable bioplastic with a corn starch base designed to prevent peeling, curling, or sliding). Watch the video: What is 3D printing to learn about some of the amazing items that 3D printers can make. You can also watch this video of a MakerBot Replicator Mini making a tree.
3D Printing
Currently, we are not offering 3D printing services.
Georgina Public Library has a MakerBot Replicator Mini 3D Printer that can print objects for you to take home. When we do start offering 3D printer, you would send us an email, we then print the object, you would come to the library to pay for your object and pick it up. For more details, you can read our 3D Printing Guide or read the answers to some frequently asked questions below.
We have put together a 3D Printing Guide to get you started. Once you find a design you like, you have two options:
- You can email the .STL/.THING file to 3dprinter@georgina.ca. In the body of your email, please include: your full name; the infill percentage (100% infill is completely solid; and 0% infill is hollow--our default is 10%); and the maximum you want to spend on your print. We will email you if the estimate is higher.
- If you don't want to use email, you can bring in a USB with the saved file. You will give us the information about your name, infill, and cost, in person.
We ask you to read our 3D Printer Policy and sign our 3D Printer Acceptable Use Agreement before you have anything printed.
Anything from board game pieces and pet toys to small models of real-life buildings or objects. You are limited only by the size of our MakerBot build space which is 4" long x 4" wide x 4" high.
Pre-Designed Models
There are many pre-designed models available for free online. If you are new to 3D printing, this is a great way to start. Try Thingiverse, which has thousands of free designs to choose from. Wherever you get your design from, choose one that has an .STL/.THING file format as our MakerBot printer won't print other file types.
For the more advanced user, you can design your own object with the use of 3D design software. There are a number of free websites that will allow you to do this, such as: Tinkercad; Sketch Up (requires download and STL plugin).
We print with whatever colour is currently in the printer, which could be orange, yellow, black, and clear filament. The good news is that the filament is sandable, paintable, and bondable.
Printing costs $1 plus $0.10 per gram + HST. You can look at some photos of printed objects with costs to get a better idea of what your money will buy.
When your 3D print is finished, we will send you an email. The email will include the cost of the print job. Bring a copy of the email with you when you come to the service desk to pay for the print job and pick up your object.