3D Printing FAQs
How large of an object can be printed?
You item must fit on the print bed within the maximum dimensions allowed by our printers. Anything requiring longer than six hours to print will not be printed.
What kind of filament does the library use?
PLA filament
Can an object be printed in multiple colors?
No
How long does printing take?
Even small objects can take a long time to print. The library will usually be able to complete print requests in one to two weeks. Anything requiring longer than six hours to print will not be printed. You will be contacted when your 3D print is ready for pickup.
What does it cost to print a 3D object?
At this time there is no charge for 3D printing. This may change in the future.
How long do I have to pick up my item?
It will be held for one month, then it will be discarded.
What file types are supported/recommended?
Supported file formats: .stl or .obj
What quality of printing can I expect?
Your object will be printed at the standard layer height of .25 mm.
What 3D printing software does the library use?
Cura Lulzbot Edition.
Can I print a solid object?
Cura prints large objects with honeycomb-type support cells inside the object. This keeps the print time, amount of filament needed, and costs minimal. Since we are not charging for printing at this time, we are not printing solid objects.
Where can I find 3D objects to print?
Find and download 3D objects created by others. Many are free of cost:
How can I design my own 3D object?
There are lots of freely available lessons and software online. Here are some websites to explore:
- TinkerCad The interactive lessons are perfect for the first time-user! This free cloud-based 3D modeling software will have you creating your own designs in just a few lessons.
- Sketchup Think in 3D. draw in 3D. Start by drawing lines and shapes. Push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms. Stretch, copy, and rotate to make anything you like.
What if my 3D print doesn’t look like I thought it would?
If your 3D object did not turn out the way you thought it would, you can work with your design and resubmit it for printing.
Are there other options in Washoe County for 3D Printing?
If you are interested in high-quality 3D printing or printing with different types of filaments, we suggest you contact the DeLaMare Library at UNR. They have a variety of 3D printers available. Printing costs vary.
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