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3D Printing

Learn 3D Printing

Welcome

Welcome the 3D printing section of the Erie County Public Library Idea Lab Maker guides. This forum was created to help beginners learn about 3D printing processes and software.

 

Certification Class

In order to use the 3D printers available in the Idea Lab you must take a 3D printing certification class. Our certification class will be available soon!

 

Learning resources on this Maker Guide:

3D Printing Resources - learn where to find 3D object files, about the different types of filament and more basic 3D printing information.

3D Modeling Software - This sections focuses on the 3D modeling software we have available in the Idea Lab and about free browser-based software options.

Ultimaker Cura Settings- learn the basic settings available in Cura to prepare your designs for the printer.

Projects - offers a few beginner level projects to help you get started.

Books - displays items we have available at our library.

To use the equipment in the Idea Lab, you will need a valid library card in good standing.

  • A signed Idea Lab Agreement is required of all users and visitors to the Idea Lab Makerspace and Media Lab. Exception is given to individuals or groups on staff-lead tours of the space.
  • Users (or if minors, their parents/guardians) are responsible for any fees incurred for loss or damage to ECPL property, not associated with normal wear and tear, that is the result of inappropriate or unauthorized use of tools, equipment, or consumable materials, or for clean-up of the tools, equipment or the space. ECPL is not responsible for any damage to, or loss or theft of, users’ personal property including electronic files left on ECPL computers.
  • Equipment and tools in the Idea Lab are available at no charge to library card holders, generally on a first-come, first-served basis during open hours.

At its discretion, staff reserves the right to disallow the use of any tools, equipment, or consumable materials, or to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that violate any library policy. Projects must be approved by staff prior to use to ensure that proper file format, size and materials are being used. Approval to use the Idea Lab does not constitute endorsement by ECPL of the uses to which the space is put or the products produced therein.

 

3D Printing at the Idea Lab

To use the 3D printers you must complete our Learn to 3D Print class. Take the online class here.

To submit a 3D print job after having taken the Learn to 3D Print class, please use our Submission Form. Submissions via email are not accepted.

  • Please allow 2-3 weeks for your print to be completed.
  • We will not print harmful or dangerous objects.
  • Prints must be under 11 hours.
  • Print queue order is determined by the date submitted. You cannot reorder your prints after submitting them.
  • You are limited to two print jobs per week, unless there are no other prints in the queue.