Here is an introductory video about our 3D printer
3D Printer Procedure & Policy
3D printing services are available to anyone. Persons wanting to print an item must email the library with the request to [email protected]. Or you may submit a form by clicking here.
Request must include: your name, contact info, filament color, design file in .stl format. You also may submit the URL that points to the file, but it must be available at no cost. At this time we have black, white, red, green, blue, yellow and gray filament available.
Prints will be made using PLA filament. PLA is good for decorative items that won’t be outside or under stress. We have PETG filament available for parts that will be under stress or outside. Please note that if you want us to use PETG. (We only have PETG in black)
Prints can be made with more than one color as long as the colors are easily separated by layer.
The Patron is responsible for the removal of any extra material (supports) and any finishing (sanding or painting) on the final print.
Final prints should be less than 7” x 7” x 7”. Larger prints may be possible under special circumstances.
The cost will be ten cents per meter of filament used with a $1 minimum charge. The fee must be paid before the print is made. Most prints will be less than $5.
There are many 3D print files available online for free or a cost. A good site for free designs is Thingiverse. You may design your own files, of course. Tinkercad is a free web-based 3D design tool for beginners.
Designs are not guaranteed to come out as intended and can be affected by any number of variables. The Library does not refund printing fees for completed items which do not come out as intended (unless the library staff are at fault).
The 3D printer is not meant for mass production. You may submit more than one design at a time, but we reserve the right to put them in our print queue where it seems fair.
Printing is available on a first come, first served basis and is completed by library staff. Priority printing is given to library use, classes and events.
The Sterling Public Library’s 3D printer may be used for lawful purposes only. 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, dictated by community standards.
- In violation of another’s intellectual property rights.
The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
Please call the library with any questions. 815-625-1370 or email [email protected].
3D Print Submission Form
Please fill out the following form to request a 3D print to be made. You may either submit the URL that points to the design in .stl form or you may upload the .stl file yourself. Please note that if there is a cost to download the design from the URL you submit, the Library will not print the file.
Once the cost is determined, you will be emailed the amount. You must either pay online or come in to pay before the print will be made.
3D Print Request Form
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.