All we need is the .stl file attached to an email (send to: tkenney@minlib.net). If you are designing it yourself, there should be an ‘export’ or ‘download as’ option – use that, and then just make sure you are selecting ‘.stl’. If downloading an already made model, just attach the file to an email or send us the link. Once it’s printed, we’ll contact you to tell you it’s ready for pick up.
Printing is totally free! The only restriction is time. We cannot accept print jobs that exceed 12 hours. Patrons are free to pick any color we have available. Color list last updated 10/22/25.
PLA colors: red, blue, green, pink, purple, orange, khaki, maroon, silver, white, bone white, nebula purple (sparkly purple), metallic blue (sparkly blue), citrus orange (sparkly orange), fantasy green (sparkly green), empire black (sparkly black), gold dust (sparkly gold)
Use sites like: thingiverse.com, makerworld.com, yeggi.com*, myminifactory.com, printables.com, or pinshape.com
*Please be aware some sites are aggregators, and the collection of models may not be curated.
Yes, some designers will charge money for access to their models. After setting up an account and paying the designer through the site, you then typically get access to the ‘.stl’ files, which is what I use to 3D print them. Just download the files and email them to me as an attachment.
Just give your 3D printed object a coat or two of acrylic primer, wait for it to completely dry, and start painting. Thinned acrylic paints with multiple layers work best. Or, if you only need it to be one color, spray paint also works.
Some people will use sandpaper or a small file to smooth out rough areas and surfaces before painting, but this is optional.
We currently have a Lulzbot Workhorse and an Ender 5. The Lulzbot is best for larger objects, while the Ender 5 is better suited towards small things with more detail. We are currently only printing in PLA, or HTPLA (HTPLA only available with the ‘sparkly’ colors).
A 3D printer is a device for making a three dimensional model from a computer generated digital design. Successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes to form the object.
Personal manufacturing is going to have increasingly profound social impacts, much of them in ways that have yet to be anticipated. The library wants to bring to Wayland the concepts of what 3D printing and personal manufacturing are all about, along with an understanding of the design skills needed to take full advantage of the creative opportunities that are arising. Wayland is a tremendously creative community, and the library is excited to be able to offer access to another avenue for the expression of that creativity.
Maybe you already have a printer or are thinking of getting one. Either way, you want to learn more about the machines, terminology, and get some printing tips. Check out these links:
3D printing glossary – A great resource for brushing up on terminology. If you’re still unclear what ‘layer height’ and ‘slicers’ are, it’s all explained here. You can find other helpful links towards the bottom of the page.
Visual troubleshooting guide – A print quality troubleshooting guide, with pictures to help you match the issue with the name of the problem. Click on the picture to get tips on resolving the problem.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just plain curious, our patrons have been printing a wide variety of things over the months and years. For some of our best or most recent examples, Click here.
We are happy to assist you in your design, or if it’s very basic we can design it in-house. In the meantime, our Youtube channel has tutorials available. A lot of design software will also offer discounts, or be totally free, for educators and students. If you’re looking for advice on good design software:
| Name | Free? | Difficulty | Site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tinkercad | Free (account creation required) | Easy | Tinkercad.com |
| Blender | Free | Hard | blender.org |
| Fusion360 | Free trial (account creation required) | Hard | Autodesk.com |
Additional comments or questions?
Please send to: tkenney@minlib.net
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