3D Printing
Sonoma County Library provides access to 3D printing services and classes as part of our commitment to providing access to a variety of technologies to acquire new skills, explore new possibilities, and promote creativity and innovation. This is a free service.
You can request a 3D print online or in your local library branch.
Details
- Users of this service must agree to the library’s 3D Printing Policy
- Print requests are handled on a first come/first serve basis
- The library will schedule one print per patron at a time
- In the event of a high volume of requests, staff reserve the right to limit prints to 4 requests per month per person
Design
- Patrons must supply their own design files for printing and will be responsible for editing and troubleshooting their files
- Files must be in either .stl, .obj or .3MF format
- Maximum print time: 4 hours
- The library is not responsible for failed 3D prints, although we will do our best to assist in successful 3D printing
- The library reserves the right to refuse a 3D print request
Getting Started
You can get started with 3D design right now. You don’t need to know computer-aided design to make and print 3D models; all you need is a computer with internet access and a little time to start dreaming up your design.
Does the library have books to help me?
Yes. Ask a librarian for help, or search the catalog under subjects:
Where can I learn how to make 3D designs?
Here are free design programs we suggest:
- Tinkercad — a free online software for computer-aided design, it has several tutorials: https://www.tinkercad.com/learn
- 3D Slash — make 3D designs like you’re cutting a block of marble. Cube based design, great for fans of Minecraft: https://www.3dslash.net/index.php
- Sculptgl — render 3D art to download and print, like sculpting a ball of clay: https://stephaneginier.com/sculptgl/
- LinkedIn Learning — tutorials about 3D printing and 3D object making. Log in using your library card number and pin: https://www.linkedin.com/learning-login/go/sonomalibrary
Where can I find ready-made 3D printed object designs?
Links to 3D printing collections:
- Thingiverse — online repository of shared 3D ready-to-make designs. Check comments because not all designs print correctly. Downloads .stl files for 3D printing: www.thingiverse.com
- Printables — presented by Josef Prusa, another repository of free designs to download and print. Please download .stl files: https://www.printables.com/
The Sonoma County Library offers 3D Printing services thanks to the Measure Y sales tax, your investment in a free public library.
