The Brown County Public Library is excited to offer 3D printing services in the library’s Creative Space. The 3D printers were made possible by a donation from Dot Charitable, with the help and training of the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago, Illinois. 

Description

The 3D printers available to the public include 2 Bambu Lab A1 mini printers with a variety of different colors of PLA filament and a maximum build volume of 180 mm x 180 mm x 180 mm, and is a single filament printing system. 

Using the Space

Users are responsible for ensuring their files are functional, understanding print jobs can fail, have permission to print the model, and are not printing anything that could damage the printer. 3D prints that violate any laws, are inappropriate to library rules and policies, or are weapons or weapons components are not permitted. Library staff reserves the right to refuse a print job if it is deemed inappropriate. 

To print a file, you will need to create/download your 3D model and save it as a .STL file that can be checked in software like Bambu Studio for slicing. You will then need to export the plate-sliced file and then save it to your Micro SD card as a .gcode.3mf file. You can bring your own Micro SD card, but the library also has a few on hand. A library staff member will assist you in loading the filament and ensuring the print gets set up properly.  

Time on the printer is subject to availability and is completed in the order they are received. However, longer print jobs might be done overnight so as not to create a backlog of print jobs. 

It is recommended that you download the software Bambu Studio to finalize and slice your design. There are open-source websites you can explore and download 3D models such as Thingiverse and Printables. You can also make your own models by using sites such as Tinkercad.

Learn More

If you are interested in learning more, keep an eye on the library’s calendar for Creative Space Open Lab Hours or email the Programming Librarian at chloe@bcpubliclibrary.org.

Payment

The charge for 3D print jobs is $0.50 per 30 minutes of print time. Payment is due upon pickup.