3D Printer

3D printing is the process of creating three dimensional objects from a digital file. Objects are printed on a specialized printer using a heating element to melt plastic filament and lay down the many tiny layers of the 3D object.

The 3D printers are managed by Library staff. Patrons must submit their 3D print job as an .STL file using the online form below. Once notified by staff that a 3D print job is ready, patrons should visit the Library to pay for and pickup their print.

Steps to Submit a 3D Print Job:

1. Submit a 3D print job as an .STL file using the green button below. Library staff will do their best to complete 3D print jobs as quickly as possible. However, due to several variables involved with 3D printing and limited hours of operation, wait times may vary.
2. Receive an email from library staff notifying you that your 3D print job is ready for pickup.
3. Visit the Library Accounts Desk to pay for and pickup your print.
   
   • The 3D print fee is based on the weight of the object and calculated at $0.10 per gram.
   • 3D print jobs are held for pickup for one week.

Important Notes About Submitting 3D Print Jobs

• All patrons submitting a 3D print job must have a valid full privilege Lewisville library card in good standing and have read The Hive User Guidelines and the guidelines for submitting 3D print jobs.
• 3D designs can be created using Tinkercad.com, a free online platform. Other free, online design programs include, Blender.org and OnShape.com.
• Designs must be less than 9" x 9" x 9" in order to fit on the print bed.
• Due to limited hours of operation, 3D designs must take less than 8 hours to complete.
• Print job files must be in .STL format
• Free digital designs are available on sites like MyMiniFactory.com. The creators of the shared designs on these sites may have restrictions on usage, so please read carefully.
• Per Library guidelines, The Hive is intended for hobbyist and prototyping purposes. Mass production of goods cannot be supported in The Hive. The production of dangerous items, weapons, and weapon accessories is prohibited. No production on machinery in The Hive may violate U.S. or international copyright law.
• A Google account is currently required to submit 3D print jobs using the online form below. We are working on an alternative method for submitting 3D print jobs for those that do not have a Google account.

Brand/Model: Polyprinter 229 [Polyprinter 229 User Manual]

Print Bed Size: 9" x 9" x 9"

Material Type: ABS filament. Multiple colors available. Patrons must use filament supplied by the Library.

File Type: .STL

Design Software:

• Tinkercad (free) - www.tinkercad.com
• OnShape (free) - www.onshape.com
• Blender (free) - www.blender.org
• Autodesk Fusion360 - www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/

Free Digital Designs: MyMiniFactory - www.myminifactory.com

Slicing Software: KISSlicer

Cost (by weight): $0.10 per gram

Available Filament Colors:

• Turquoise
• Orange
• Light Sky Blue
• Chocolate
• Maroon
• Royal Purple
• Pink
• Glow Green
• Gold
• Purple
• Yellow
• Glow Green (green)
• Copper
• Blue
• Green
• UV Sensitive

View images of the available filament colors.

Available Transparent Filament Colors:

• Black
• Purple
• Yellow
• Clear
• Blue
• Green
• Red
• Orange

View images of the available filament colors.

Need to learn how to use the design software listed above? Take a free online video course from LinkedIn Learning. Access LinkedIn Learning from the Library's Learning Tools webpage with your valid Lewisville library card and PIN.

3D designs can be created using Tinkercad.com, a free online platform. The first step is to create a free Tinkercad account. The videos below will show you how. Children ages 13 and under will need a parent or guardian to assist with creating an account.

When designing a 3D object to be printed at The Hive, remember:

• Designs must be less than 9" x 9" x 9" in order to fit on the print bed.
• Due to limited hours of operation, 3D designs must take less than 8 hours to complete.