Innovation Center
3D Printing at KBLIC
- KBLIC 3D Printing Guidelines-No more than two builds per month per person will be accepted.
-All designs must be submitted in an .STL file format.
-Only builds of ten hours or less will be accepted. To preview how our printer will handle your build and how long it will take, you can download MakerBot Print for free.
-We cannot accommodate requests for specific colors. Files will be printed as submitted. We will contact you if your item needs to be scaled down to fit the size/time limit.
-If a build is too large or complex we suggest a commercial service.
-We will email you when your print is complete. You may then pick up your item from the KBLIC reference desk.
-The library is not responsible for failed 3D prints, although we will do our best to assist in completing successful 3D prints.
-No hazardous or offensive items.
The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. - 3D Print Request FormAll builds must be scheduled in advance by completing this form.
3D Printers @KBLIC
Makerbot Sketch
- Maximum print volume 5.75 inches by 5.75 inches by 5.75 inches (or 146 mm by 146 mm by 146 mm )
- 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
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
3D Model Software
- TinkerCAD
Owned by Autodesk, TinkerCAD is an easy web based 3d design and modeling tool. You sign up for a free account using your email address and create a password or with your Facebook account.
TinkerCAD is great for first timers looking to build their first CAD models. Users can quickly learn the drag and drop interface to build unique and complex designs. - Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software used for creating 3D printed models, art, animated films, video games, and visual effects.
Blender can run on Mac, Windows, and Linux. - SketchUp
SketchUp is a 3d modeling software you can use for architectural drawings, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, and film and video game design.
SketchUp has 3 versions for personal use. SketchUp free is a free web based application. SketchUp Shop is a paid web-based application with some advanced features. SketchUp Pro is the top tier which includes a web and desktop version.
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