You may download a copy of the rules and procedures.

RULES
The Library’s 3D printer is available for Fox River Valley Public Library District patrons to create three-dimensional, plastic objects. These objects are designed using computer software outlined in the PROCEDURES section of this document. Patrons must have a valid Fox River Valley Public Library District library card to use this service.

• I. Patrons are permitted to use the Library’s 3D printer to create objects that comply with local, state and federal law as well as all other Library policies. Patrons may not create objects that are:

  1. dangerous or pose a threat to others. (Guns, knives, parts for weapons, etc.)

  2. sexually explicit, obscene, or inappropriate for the Library environment

  3. a violation of the MakerBot Replicator terms of use

  4. copyrighted or otherwise protected by a patent or trademark

  5. for commercial use

• II. All submitted designs are subject to review by Library staff.

Please submit the completed form to 3dprinter@frvpld.info.

Designs may be rejected if they do not comply with Section I of this document. The patron will be informed by email or telephone.
Designs may be rejected if they are not capable of production. If this is the case, the patron will be informed by email or telephone of the problem(s) and change(s) needed to make the design printable

• III. Cost: 3D printing is $0.10 per gram at this time. Patrons will be notified of any charges before a print is sent through to the printer

• IV. Only designated, trained Library staff will be able to print objects. Demonstrations will be provided to the public to showcase the 3D printer.

• V. By default, all 3D models will be printed with 0.20mm layer height and 10% infill.

LAYER HEIGHT

Layer height is a measurement of how much material the printer’s nozzle extrudes for each layer of your part. It’s measured in microns or millimeters, can be adjusted through a slicer program, and varies from project to project.

If a design is artistic, highly detailed, or must be incredibly precise, a lower layer height should be used such as 0.15mm down to 0.07mm. However, be wary of using thin layers as these increase printing time and use more filament.

On the other hand, if patrons need to print a part quickly, keep costs low, or are prioritizing function over aesthetics, a a larger nozzle and a taller layer height can be used such as 0.25mm or 0.30mm. A taller layer height means the printer has fewer layers to print to achieve the same volume, which speeds up the printing process and gives  a fully functional product at a lower cost. However, the part will also have fewer details and lower quality overall.

INFILL

Infill density is the “fullness” of the inside of a part. In slicers, this is usually defined as a percentage between 0 and 100, with 0% making a part hollow and 100%, completely solid;this greatly impacts a part’s weight: The fuller the interior of a part, the heavier it is resulting in more filament used.

Besides weight, print time, material consumption, and buoyancy are also impacted by infill density.