Ultimaker 2
What is a 3D Printer?
Using the Cape May County Library 3D Printers
Where do I start?
First, you need something to print. You can go to Thingiverse and pick out something you like. Take a look at the top in the URL where it says "http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:NUMBER" and write down the number after "thing:".
For example, check out our plaque made in the TLC by James: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:647449 You can see in the URL that this object is thing number 647449.
You can also create your own 3D model from any number of 3D modeling software available. We recommend SketchUp, Blender and TinkerCad but, you can use any modeling software as long as you save your file in a usable format. We commonly print with STL files but we are able to print with STL, OBJ, DAE and AMF.
How much does it cost?
It costs $1 to use the printer and an additional 5 cents per gram. So the heavier the object is, the more it will cost, though most prints are under $5.
Skills & Prerequisites
You must follow our 3D Printing Policy. See below.
No skills are required to make a print. 3D modeling skills may be helpful in making exactly what you want. Contact us to set up an appointment if you are interested in learning basic 3D modeling skills.
3D Printing is an amazing tool that can be utilized in more ways than you might think. Check out MAKE Magazine, Thingiverse or the TLC Twitter page to see what is new in the world of 3D Printing!
Important things to keep in mind
Unfortunately, the TLC is not able to design something for you. We can only print files found online or made by you that are in the proper file types. You must be with the printer the entire time your object is printing. The machine is not perfect and it can jam. Sometimes, prints can fail. Keeping an eye on it is the only safe way to operate the equipment. This occasionally means that prints must be restarted. The larger and denser the object is, the longer it will take to print. Some prints can take several hours, so be sure your time is flexible on the day of your appointment. You can e-mail us the thingiverse URL and we can give an estimate on the time it might take.
If you have any questions or would like to have us print a 3D creation for you please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">
3D Printer Policy
The Technology Learning Center’s 3D printers may only be used for lawful purposes.
The public will not be permitted to use the 3D printers to create material that is:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Property or material belonging to another person or entity without their permission.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
- Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment, including weapons.
- In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
- Any item designated not appropriate by the Technology Learning Center staff.
The Technology Learning Center reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request in its staff’s sole discretion.
The patron is solely responsible for any violation of copyright, patent or trademark laws.
Only designated Technology Learning Center staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.
Supervision of 3D printer use by Technology Learning Center staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgement, of any unapparent final use of the 3D product, and the Technology Learning Center specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.
Only the Technology Learning Center’s filament will be used in the 3D printer.
Please be aware that the Technology Learning Center or the Cape May County Library is not responsible for storing or saving your designs and projects. You must bring your own USB drive or SD card.
The Technology Learning Center cannot guarantee that a print job will be completed within a particular time frame.
The Technology Learning Center cannot guarantee and is not liable for the final appearance of 3D printed objects. The Cape May County Library is not liable for any damages, human injury, and/or costs in the event of a failure of a 3D printed object.
Any person who violates these policies shall indemnify and hold harmless the Cape May County Library, its staff, officers and volunteers from the claims of any third party for damages to person or property, including costs and attorney’s fees.
