3D Printing

Our 3D printing service is back! Now with improvements to enhance the quality of the experience for our customers.

3D printers can take your digital file and turn it into a real-life three-dimensional object.  

Our Eastside Branch currently has one 3D printer available for use:

  • An Ender 3 Max Neo, with a build volume of 300mm x 300mm x 340mm
  • An Ender 3 Max, with a build volume of 300mm x 300mm x 340mm

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.

Please read the guidelines below to find out how you can print an object on our 3D printer. 

How to Print

Customers can now prepare their 3D files directly from one of the computers in the Gamerspace at our Eastside Branch before loading into the 3D printer to print. No more forms or waiting - the 3D printers will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no time limit on your printing and you do not need to wait in the library once your print has begun. 

You can print files you've designed yourself from any application or website that can create .stl or .obj files.

Once your print job is completed, our staff will be in touch to let you know it is ready for pick up.

Please continue reading below for further guidelines and information.
 

Learn How to Make Your Own 3D Designs 

There are many sites, tutorials and 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.
 

Find and Download 3D Designs Others Have Shared

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

Cost

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.

Guidelines

  • You need a library card to use a 3D printer.
  • There is a maximum of one print, per person, per day.
  • We accept OBJ and STL file types only.
  • 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.
  • Customers must use the filaments (and colour) supplied by WPL.
  • Models of offensive items, drug paraphernalia, smoking accessories, weapons or weapon parts of any size are not permitted.

Contact Us

Eastside Branch
519-886-1310 x410
eastsidebranch@wpl.ca