Our 3D printing service lets you design a 3D model at home and send it to the library for printing!
Printing Process
You design a 3D model at home, send us the file and the specifications via our web form and we'll print and send the object to your local branch for pickup.
Our Ultimaker 3 printer can print supports in a water-soluble PVA filament, resulting in better print results and smoother surfaces. You can dissolve these supports by placing the print in lukewarm water overnight (note that it may take several hours for PVA supports to fully dissolve).
Rules for 3D printing
Printing weapons (including props, accessories or toys), sexually-explicit materials or other items that contravene the library's Code of Conduct is not allowed. You will not infringe any person's intellectual property rights, including copyright, trademarks and patents, or any other rights, including privacy and publicity rights, when using CKPL's 3D printing service.
Tools for 3D Design
TinkerCAD - Free online tool that allows you to create and download 3D models. Users are required to register with this site.
Sketchup - 3D modelling software that's easy to learn and incredibly fun to use. Download SketchUp for free and get started drawing in 3D.
Blender - Great for experienced designers, Blender provides lots of design options, but may be difficult for beginners to master.
YouMagine - A large collection of online 3D models shared by YouMagine community members. The site is supported by Ultimaker.
Thingiverse - One of the largest collections of 3D models available online. Very user friendly. Most models on Thingiverse can be downloaded for free.
Yeggi - A 3D model search engine that searches multiple websites for 3D designs.
Pinshape - A large collection of online 3D models for downloading. Some models must be purchased before they can be downloaded.
Libre3D - Offers a large collection of online 3D models for download. Most models can be downloaded for free.
GrabCAD - Another large site with a number of free models for download. Users are required to register with this site.
Cults3D - Offers a large collection of online 3D models for download. Some models can be downloaded free, as well as paid models.
MyMiniFactory - Models available on this site are mostly designed by professionals. The site also allows for "requests" of 3D models. Some prints are free.
