3D Printer Policy


Purpose of the Powers Memorial Library 3D Printer
The library has purchased a 3D printer to focus on the use of this emerging technology and to offer an innovative and creative space for the community to gather.

What is 3D Printing?
It is the process of taking a three-dimensional digital model and making a physical object. Succeeding layers of filament are laid down in thin layers to build the object.

The Powers Memorial Library’s Model
The library provides a Flashforge Creater Pro Dual Extrusion 3D Printer

Preparing Your 3D File for Printing
You may use a 3D modeling program to create your own file. Please be sure to bring the file in on a USB drive or a SD card.

Your 3D model file should be saved as a STL file otherwise it will not be printable.

If you are not familiar with 3D modeling software, you can browse and choose your designs from a number of different websites: One is called Thingiverse (www.thingiverse.com/) and another is available through the Tinkercad software (www.tinkercad.com).

Who and when can I print?
Members of the public are welcome to use the printer and may reserve a time in order to do so. Patrons must abide by the Terms of Use. Youth under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Because of the complexity of the printer, a trained staff member will work with you through the process when an appointment is made. Currently the only available time to use the 3D printer is the following day:

• Wednesdays: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

3D Project Pick-Up
For projects that require a longer time to complete or potentially run through the night, the patron may leave and pick-up his/her project the next day. The projects will be placed in protective covering and placed on the Holds Pick-Up shelf categorized by the user’s last name.

Terms of Use and Copyright
The Powers Memorial Library’s 3D printer is available to the public to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design uploaded from a digital computer file or created using Tinkercad software.
I. The Powers Memorial Library 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the 3D printer to create material that is:
a. Prohibited by local, state, or federal law
b. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.)
c. Violates the library’s rules of conduct concerning offensive behavior
d. Violates another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printer must not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
e. Weapons and salacious objects are strictly prohibited.

II. Powers Memorial Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D printing request.

III. Powers Memorial Library is not responsible for any damage, loss or security of data arising from the use of its computers or networks, nor for the functionality or quality of content produced on the 3D printer.

Cost
If you would like to donate to the filament fund, you may make a donation to the Powers Memorial Library. All filament donations will be accepted at the circulation desk.

The current cost for use of the 3D printer is as follows:
If you bring in your own filament you will only be charged for the run time
$.50 per 30 minutes run time
OR
$.10 cents per gram

Please note again that only designated library employees will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.