3D Printing
3D Printing Policy
Adopted by the Lillie M. Evans Library Board 9/10/2020
The Lillie M. Evans Library District’s Dremel 3D40 printer is available to LME Library cardholders in good standing to support the ever-changing and constantly evolving technology needs of the community. 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, turns a digital model in a computer data file into a physical representation of the object or product. The purpose of our 3D printer is to encourage users to learn about new technologies, exercise their imaginations, and to create and design new projects.
All 3D print jobs must adhere to the following policy:
- The 3D printer may be used for lawful purposes only. The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printer to create objects that are:
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- Prohibited by state or federal law.
- In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printer will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others; for example, guns, knives, or other possible lethal weapons.
- Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
- All 3D printing requests must fulfill the library’s requirements:
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- The print file submitted must be in .stl (Stereo Lithography) format.
- Users fully complete the request form.
- Only one print request per person will be accepted and printed at a time.
- The print object must be smaller than 10.0 L x 6.0 W x 6.7 H in inches. Requests for multiple units or larger scale items may require a donation in order to print.
- Printing is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is coordinated by the LME Library staff. Only designated Library staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer. Priority printing will be given to library programs and events.
- All designs will be reviewed by LME Library staff, who reserve the right to refuse any 3D print job. Size of the file, timing of printing, and maximum length of time allowed for each print job will be regulated according to demand and equipment restrictions. The library reserves the right to limit the number of print requests. Abuse of the 3D print service may lead to denial of future use.
- The printer will only print an object in a single color. Color preferences may be submitted, but the library will determine the color of the filament based on availability. Library staff reserve the right to resize projects unless dimensions are specific in the request.
- Items printed from the Library’s 3D printer that are not picked up within 14 days will become the property of the Library. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them.
- The Library is not responsible for failed 3D prints, although we will do our best to assist in completing successful 3D prints. In the instance of printing failure, 3D print jobs may be limited to two additional attempts.
- Filament colors are limited to what we have available. Currently, we are using filament purchased with grant funds. When this is exhausted, users will need to reimburse the library for filament. Costs will be determined on a print-by-print basis. Printing cost will be calculated by multiplying the grams of PLA filament used times $0.20 per gram plus a $1.00 printing fee. (Example: 10 grams x $0.20 = $2.00 plus $1.00 printing fee = $3.00) Payment is due at the time of pick-up.
- Acknowledgement by patrons utilizing the Library’s 3D printer:
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- By submitting content or objects, the patron agrees to assume all responsibility for, and shall hold the Library harmless in, all matters related to patented, trademarked, or copyrighted materials.
- The Lillie M. Evans Library District is not responsible for any damage, loss, or security of data arising from the use of its computers or network, nor for the functionality or quality of content produced on the 3D printer.
Requests for 3D printing can be made online at: https://form.jotform.com/202584959436064
