Lower Macungie Library

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3D Printing

Thanks to a grant funded by the Emmaus Rotary Club, we are excited to offer a MakerBot Replicator+ 3D printer for our patrons!

The 3D printer can be used to make three-dimensional objects using PLA filament with a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file. Lehigh Carbon County Cooperative and Lower Macungie Library patrons of all ages are able to submit designs to be printed on the 3D printer.

How to 3D Print

Step 1: Getting Started/FAQ – Learn everything you need to know about printing with us.
Step 2: Design – Create, select, or find a design to print.
Step 3: Policy – Review our 3D Printing Policy.
Step 4: Submission – Submit your 3D design file for printing through e-mail.

  • Who can use a 3D Printer?

Any library patron with a current and up to date LCLC or LML library card and no fines over $5.00 can request to have their design printed on the 3D printer.

If you do not have a LCLC or LML library card, please contact the library to see if you would be eligible to sign up for one.

  • What is the cost of 3D printing?

The cost of printing is 25¢ per gram. Cost is determined after the print job is completed.e their design printed on the 3D printer.

Refunds will not be given if an object does not print correctly due to design errors. Patrons may not demand a new print in place of the original due to dissatisfaction with color, scale, quality, design, required support material, or other options pre-selected by the patron.

  • How large of a model can be printed?

The maximum dimensions of a model that can be printed are 11”L x 7”W x 6”H.

The print must also be able to be completed within 9 hours or less at this time.

  • I can’t come to the library to pick up my print, can the library send me my print in the mail?

All 3D prints MUST be picked up at the library within 7 days of the receiving notification of the model being completed.

Models that are not picked up within that time period will become property of the library and the cost of the project will be added to the patron’s library card account.

  • Can a design be printed in multiple colors?

We are only able to print designs in one color.

Completed models can be painted to add additional colors.

  • Can I choose when my design is being printed so I can watch?

Unfortunately not at this time.

  • What kind of material does the 3D printer use?

Our 3D printer uses PLA (Polylactic acid) plastic filament which is made from renewable resources such as corn starch.

Anything printed from PLA is temperate sensitive and will deform, warp, and break when exposed to direct heat. The library is not responsible for the subsequent safety of any item made with the 3D printer.

  • How do I pay for my finished print?

Any 3D print that is $5.00 and over may be paid with a credit card over the phone before the item is picked up or with cash at the time of pickup. Any 3D print $4.99 and below must be paid in cash at the time of pickup.

Important Tip!!!

The larger the model, the higher the final weight of the model will be. Finals models can range in cost from $0.25 to $40.00 or more and are only limited by size and print time. If you unsure about how much your design might cost, check out our Preselected 3D Prints in the following steps to see what a model of comparable size costs to print.

Any needed rafts or supports will be added to the overall weight and cost of the final model.

Additional Information to Consider

3D printed objects may have small bumps, holes, and/or rough edges due to the printing process. These can be cleaned up using fine sand paper.

Objects are printed from the bottom up. If a design has a large overhang or suspended parts, support material and/or rafts may be used. These additions are easily removed by the patron and the library will not be responsible for removing any supports and/or rafts.

Designing Your 3D Print

Option 1: Creating Your Own  Custom Design

We recommend using these free design tools to start creating your own designs.

Option 2: Choosing a Design from Our Preselected Recommendations

The best choice for first time 3D printer users and for those who aren’t sure where to start.

Preselected Recommendations

#001 – Covid Mask Breather

Website Link: thingiverse.com
Creator: Jamie Tachan (jtachan)
Description: It creates a space between a face mask and the wearers face.
Printing Cost: $6.25

#002 – Phone Stand

Website Link: thingiverse.com
Creator: GoAftens
Description: A stand for your phone with a hole that you can feed a charging cable through.
Printing Cost: $18.25

#003 – Evergreen Tree Christmas Ornament

Website Link: thingiverse.com
Creator: Craig (w3ace)
Description: It’s a puzzle, it’s an ornament, it’s a decoration and it is nostalgic, bringing back memories of plastic models and game pieces attached on cards.
Printing Cost: $5.50

Option 3: Choosing a Design From a Model Sharing Website

The best choice for first time 3D printer users and for thoSearch from hundreds of premade designs in order to find one that suits your needs on these websites.

If you are choosing a design from option 1 or 3, make sure to download the proper files before proceeding to the next step.

If you are choosing from option 2, make note of the item number (ex: #001) before continuing.

Please Note: All designs must be submitted in an .stl or .obj file format.

  • The library’s 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes. Patrons will not be permitted to use the library’s 3D printer to create weapons or objects that are:
    • Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
    • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, obscene or an immediate threat to the welfare of others.
    • In violation of another’s intellectual property rights, i.e. the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection. Responsibility for possible copyright infringement lies solely with the patron and the library disclaims any responsibility or liability resulting there from. The patron is liable for any infringement.
  • Library staff will review every object file before it is printed, and the Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
  • The 3D printer is available to patrons with a current Lower Macungie Library (LML) or Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative (LCLC) card, with no outstanding fees over $10.00.
  • Printing is available on a first come, first served basis and is done by library staff. In times of high demand, the library reserves the right to limit printing.
  • Only one print request per person will be accepted and printed at a time.
  • Priority will be given to library programs or activities.
  • Only designated library staff and volunteers will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.
  • Facilitation of the printing process by library staff does not constitute knowledge of any intended final use of the 3D printed product.
    The library is not responsible for the subsequent safety of any item made with the 3D printer.

To submit your design for 3D printing send an e-mail to 3dprints@lowermaclib.org and include the the information listed below in order for your design to be printed.

  • Library Card Number*
  • First and Last Name*
  • Phone Number
  • Preferred Color* (See Color Options List)
  • Additional Comments
  • Design file attached as either an .stl or .obj format*
    OR
    The Item Number from our 3D Model Recommendations*

*Required

Color Options: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Army Green, Blue, Purple, Neon Pink, Brown, White, Warm Gray, Cool Gray, and Black

An e-mail will be sent to you when your print is complete and ready for pickup.

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Lower Macungie Library

3450 BROOKSIDE ROAD MACUNGIE, PA 18062
610-966-6864

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Tuesday10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM — 8:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM — 5:00 PM
SundayClosed
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