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.

3D Print Request Form


3D Printing

3D Printing

 


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 or .obj 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.

Where can I learn how to make 3D designs?

Here are free design programs we suggest:

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
  • You Imagine — over 14,000 open source designs that are ready to print: https://www.youmagine.com/
  • Printables — presented by Josef Prusa, another repository of free designs to download and print. Please download .stl files: https://www.printables.com/

Does the library have books to help me?

Yes. Ask a librarian for help, or search the catalog under subjects:

The Sonoma County Library offers 3D Printing services thanks to the Measure Y sales tax, your investment in a free public library.