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3D Printing at Vernon Area Public Library: Guidelines

Guidelines

  • 3D printing is available only to Vernon Area Public Library cardholders.
  • Limit: 1 print a month per library card.
  • Oversized or complex files may be downsized to fit the print area and/or the 3-hour time limit. 
  • If you're not sure how long your print will take and do not want it to be resized, please download the free Bambu P1S software and upload a print to check printing time. We use a Bambu P1S with a 4mm nozzle.
  • The maximum build volume is 25×21×21 cm (9.84"×8.3"×8.3").
  • Large .zip files will be held at the end of queue until time permits.
  • Specific color requests cannot be accommodated; sorry!
  • The library may refuse a print for any reason. 
  • The library is not responsible for failed 3D prints; we do our best to troubleshoot any issues.
  • Allow 1–2 weeks for your request to be processed.
  • You will be notified when your print is ready. Please pick up within 21 days at the Reader and Information Services desk.

3D Printer Use Policy

The Vernon Area Public Library District offers creative spaces and technology to give our cardholders an opportunity to explore, learn, create, build and brainstorm new ideas for different skill levels and ages. It is a space to explore your imagination, test your entrepreneurial spirit, and troubleshoot do-it-yourself projects.

To align with this purpose, the Vernon Area Public Library enacts the following policy for 3D printer operation. Any patron using the Library’s 3D printer service shall be deemed to have accepted all of the terms and conditions of this policy.

  1. The 3D printer is open to all Vernon Area Public Library card holders, regardless of age. There is a restriction of one print per month.
  2. No patron may operate or handle the 3D printer under any circumstances.
  3. To ensure equal access, accepted print projects cannot exceed 3 hours of printing time. Staff may attempt to resize prints to keep a print project under 2 hours. Multiple files submitted in compressed folders (ex. .zip folder) will be printed as time permits.
  4. Print projects take an average of two (2) weeks to complete. Due to the length of time it takes to print an object, the number of requests received, and staff availability, the library will not guarantee that a print project will be ready on a specific day.
  5. Patrons should submit their designed or premade files (ex. .stl or .zip files) via online form to the Library. These files will then go to a designated 3D printing email address for staff to print the files.
  6. Submitted prints should not violate local, state, or federal law or the Library’s Patron Behavior Policy. Instances of unlawful purposes include, but are not limited to:
    • Printing copyright objects (ex: lightsabers, Pokemon, etc.). Patrons do so at their own risk. Patrons must abide by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and patent law (Title 35, U.S. Code).
    • Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous items that are a threat to others.
  7. The Library may reject inappropriate submittals, but is not responsible for violations that may occur, and the patron making the submittal shall indemnify and hold the Library entirely harmless with respect to their submittal.
  8. The Library is not responsible for failed 3D print jobs, but will assist patrons in completing a successful print. Patrons will be required to scrape off any supports (excess materials) themselves.
  9. The Library shall not be made liable for functional failure of a printed object, injuries, or property damage caused by objects or materials made through the Library’s 3D printers. The Library strongly recommends that 3D printers not be used to make objects that would be of significant cost if the print fails.