3D Printer

The Launch Pad has two Prusa i3 3D printers. 3D models are printed using PLA (polyactic acid) which is a biodegradable plastic from plant-based sources.

A registered library card in good standing is required to submit a 3D print.

3D Print Form        3D Printing Information

3D Printing Software

There are many other 3D design softwares available such as Blender and AutoCAD, but ITPLD recommends starting with TinkerCAD if you’re new to 3D printing.
 

3D Model resources

Learning Resources

Free Weekly Supply List

Free supplies are available for ITPLD library members, as well as reciprocal members with cards in good standing. Members are limited to 2 items each week taken from the Supplies List. No items will be sold through the Launch Pad. The week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday.

Supplies List

How does 3d printing work?

Our 3D printers use plastic filament to print models. A program is used to slice the digital model into 2D cross sections like a stack of paper. The printer’s extruder heats up the plastic, similar to a hot glue gun, then extrudes the plastic in paper thin layers, building one upon the other.