PARKING UPDATE: Parking in the back lot at the Eastside Branch will be unavailable from Thursday, July 31 to Monday, August 4 due to Waterloo Ribfest. Parking at the front of the library will still be available. The returns slot will remain open and accessible to customers. 

3D Printing

Unlock your creativity and bring your designs to life with our 3D printing service, available exclusively at our Eastside Branch.

Close up of a Bambu P1S 3D printer printing an object on the print bed.

About 3D Printing

3D printers can take a digital file you have created, found, or bought, and turn it into a real-life, three-dimensional object.

Our Eastside Branch has two 3D printers:

  • Both printers are Bambu P1S printers, with a build volume of 256x256x256 mm3 (millimeters cubed)

You will need a library card to use a computer and send a 3D print. There is a maximum of one object printed per person per day. No new projects can be started within 30 minutes of the library’s closing time.

Printing weapons or weapon parts (including cosplay props, accessories or toys), sexually explicit materials, drug paraphernalia, smoking accessories or other items that contravene the library’s Rules of Conduct is not permitted.

How to Print

3D printing is available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Eastside Branch, using the computers in the Gamerspace.

To start a print or be next in line, please speak with staff first. If a printer is available, staff will provide you with a 3D Printing Kit to get started. If both printers are in use, you may be eligible to be next in line — but only if one of the current prints has 3 hours or less remaining. Staff will let you know if you qualify and will sign out a Next in Line Kit to you if so.

Only one person can be next in line per printer, and sign-ups must be done in person. We’re not able to take requests by phone or online.

There’s no time limit on printing, and you don’t need to stay in the library once your print has started. When your print is finished, staff will contact you for pickup.

For more details, check out our FAQ section below.

A 3D printed plane and Pikachu sit on the print bed of the 3D printer.

3D Printing FAQs

  • How much does it cost to 3D print?

    Customers will be charged for the total weight of the plastic used in the 3D print and any supporting structures at a rate of $0.03 per gram. For example, an average job, consisting of a two-hour print of 25 grams of material would be $0.75.

  • How do I get started printing when I get to the library?

    When you arrive at the Eastside Branch and want to use the 3D printer, just follow these steps:

    1. Speak with staff:
    Staff will let you know if a printer is available or in use.

    2. If a printer is available:
    Staff will provide you with a 3D Printing Kit to you so you can begin your print job.

    3. If both printers are in use:
    You may be able to become next in line, but only if one of the printers has 3 hours or less remaining on its current job. Staff will check the status and let you know. If you’re eligible, they’ll sign out a Next in Line Kit to you.

    4. Start your print:
    Use one of the Gamerspace computers to set up your print and send it to the printer.

    5. Fill out the 3D print slip:
    Make sure to return the 3D print slip to staff with the required information all filled out.

    6. You don’t need to stay:
    Once your print has started, you’re welcome to leave the library. Staff will contact you when it’s ready for pickup.

  • What if both 3D printers are in use when I get to the library?

    If both 3D printers are currently in use when you arrive:

    1. Speak with staff:
    Visit the service point near the Gamerspace to ask about becoming next in line.

    2. Check the print times:
    You can only be next in line if the current print has 3 hours or less remaining. If not, you’ll need to check back later.

    3. If eligible, you’ll receive a Next in Line Kit:
    If a spot is available, staff will sign out a Next in Line Kit to you. Only one person can be next in line per printer.

    4. Stick around:
    When it’s your turn, staff will remove the current print from the 3D printer and you will be given a 3D Printing Kit to start the print process.

  • What type of material do your 3D printers use?

    Our machine prints computer designs in three dimensions using PLA, short for Polylactic Acid. PLA is a plant-based corn product, which is biodegradable to lessen the impact on the environment. Our PLA is made from Canadian sources. PLA can be plastic-welded, glued, sanded, and painted.

  • What file types can I print?

    Our software accepts stl, obj and 3mf file types only.

  • What colours are available for printing?

    Black, white, red, yellow, green, blue, orange and purple.

    The Bambu P1S printers are able to print multiple colours at one time.

  • How can I make my own 3D designs?

    There are many sites, tutorials and different software available online to learn how to make 3D designs. Occasionally, WPL offers 3D design workshops. For beginners, we recommend learning and creating your first 3D designs using Tinkercad. It’s FREE to use and has tutorials to get you up and running quickly once you create an account.

  • How can I find 3D designs that I can download to print?

    There are many sites online that offer 3D files that are ready to print. Many designs are free, some ask for donations, and others are available to purchase. Some popular sites for sharing and finding 3D designs to print include Thingiverse and Yeggi.

  • Do I have to use the filament that WPL provides?

    Yes. Customers must use the filaments (and colour) supplied by WPL.

  • Is there a maximum print time? Do I need to wait at the library for my print to complete?

    There is no maximum print time. You do not need to wait for the print to complete – we will notify you upon its completion for you to pick up.

Looking for more cool tools and technology?

Ignite your creativity at our Maker Bar. Explore a world of possibilities with exciting technology.

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