Inspiration through Information
White Lake Township Library

White Lake Township Library

3D Printer

Find or Create Your Design

To create a 3D print, you can download a pre-made file from a website that makes printing as easy as picking a project from a catalog. Alternatively, you can use modeling software to create your own designs. The following websites offer pre-made files and free modeling software:

Export your object as a .3mf, .stl, .stp, .step, .amf, or .obj file. If you need help, just ask!

*Please note that our printer, Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D, can print up to 256 x 256 x 256mm (10 in x 10 in x 10in) and has a maximum print time of 8 hours.

Submit your file

To submit your file for printing, email IdeaLab@whitelakelibrary.org and attach your  3D design file in .3mf, .stl, .stp, .step, .amf, or .obj format. Only one file may be submitted at a time.

After submitting your file for printing, the staff will review it and send you the cost. We will print your file once you reply that your fine has been paid.

Prices

Please note that the cost is $0.10 per gram (our software calculates the amount of filament used) with a minimum of $1.00. Payment will be collected before the printout is made.

The price includes rafts/brims/supports and failed prints due to design errors. The Library reserves the right to decline to print any item that does not fit our guidelines. See below for more information.

Files will be printed as submitted, and staff will not change a design after receiving it. If changes are necessary, we will notify you and may recommend simple changes.

Once your print is complete (please allow 1 - 2 weeks), you will be notified by phone or email when it can be picked up at the Adult Information Desk.

Additional Information

  • Cost: $0.10 per gram (our software calculates the amount of filament used) with a minimum of $1.00. Payment will be collected before the printout is made.
  • Price includes:
    • Rafts/brims/supports
    • Failed prints due to design error
  • Printing designs are not guaranteed to come out as intended and can be affected by any number of variables. We will not reprint objects that fail due to design errors unless changes are made to the design. Refunds or replacements will not be given if customers are unsatisfied with the color, quality, size, or other options within the customer’s control. Check your design carefully from all sides before submitting.

Things to Note

  • Only designated library staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.
  • We will use only the Library filament to create the project. We want to keep jams and fumes to a minimum for everyone, so we will provide PLA filament and have limited color options.
  • The library’s 3D printer is for educational, entertainment, and prototyping purposes. The library does not provide access to 3D printers to produce or sell goods.
  • All printing uses PLA, a bioplastic made of corn. It may melt if exposed to high temperatures (for example, on a car dashboard in the summer).
  • The Library is not responsible for the subsequent safety of any item made with the 3D printer. You can reinforce a design to make it stronger, but we cannot guarantee the strength of a design.

What Cannot Be Printed

The Library retains the right to refuse any print request for any reason. The Library’s 3D printer may only be used for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printer to create material that is:

  • Prohibited by local, state, or federal law
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others
  • Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
  • In violation of another’s intellectual property rights 

3D Pens

The White Lake Township Library now has 3Doodler Start+ Pens that patrons with a library card in good standing may check out for in-library use.

  • 3D Pens can be found at both the Youth and Adult Information Desks. Upon item request, a staff member will accompany the patron to the Circulation Desk to check the pen out.
  • Patrons under the age of 7 must be accompanied by a caregiver throughout the entire process, including while using the 3D Pen. 
  • The first 5 filament sticks are free (per day). Additional filament sticks can be purchased for 10 cents each. 
    • Additional filament sticks must be paid for upfront and in cash only.
  • 3D Pens cannot leave the building and must be returned to the Circulation Desk when finished.