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Introduction to 3D Design and Printing

Resources to learn about 3D design and 3D printing best practices

Specs and Locations for 3d Printing @ the BPL

Jamaica Plain Branch

  • Makerbot Replicator + 
  • Maximum Print Volume 295 L x 195 W x 165 mm H  (11.6 x 7.6 x 6.5 In)
  • Print Resolution (Layer Height) Low (340 microns/0.34mm), Medium (270 microns/.27mm), High (100 microns/.01mm)
  • Filament material: PLA
  • Contact the the Jamaica Branch for instructions about printing

Teen Central

  • Makerbot 5 Replicator 
  • Maximum print volume  252 x 199 x 150 mm (9.9 x 7.83 x5.9 In). 
  • Print Resolution (Layer Height) Low (300 microns/0.3mm), Standard (200 microns/0.2mm) and High (100 microns/0.1mm). Most objects will be printed at standard or low resolution
  • Filament material: PLA
  • Teens wanting to use the 3D printer shall bring their file (in .stl file format) to Teen Central during open hours. Staff will convert the file to the .makerbot file extension and then add the model to the printing queue.
  • Contact Teen Central for instructions about printing.  

Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center (KBLIC)

  • Makerbot Sketch 
  • Maximum print volume 5.75 inches by 5.75 inches by 5.75 inches (or 146 millimeters by 146 millimeters by 146 millimeters)
  • Print Resolution (Layer Height) Low (300 microns/0.3mm), Standard (200 microns/0.2mm) and High (100 microns/0.1mm). Most objects will be printed at standard or low resolution
  • Filament material: PLA
  • KBLIC's 3D Printing Guidelines
  • Submit a 3D Print HERE

Some Things We Can't Print

We only use PLA to print.  If your object is going to be subjected to high heat or pressure, PLA might not be the best material.  In this case we might suggest a commercial service. 

Also if your design has a lot of very thin elements we might also suggest a commercial service.  

To Make your design easier for us to print:

  • Break your design into pieces that can be printed separately and glued together later
  • Design your object so it fits within the print dimensions listed above
  • If your design has multiple parts, submit them as separate files so that staff can arrange them on the build plate

Commercial Services:

These are not the only commercial services.  The Boston Public Library does not endorse the services and their inclusion on this guide is for information purposes only