Bring creations to life with the Wichita Public Library's 3D printing service.

How can I use the 3D printer?

• You must be at least 14 years old to use the 3D printer.
• You must have a library card ​in good standing​.
• Library staff must certify you before you can use the service.

What's the certification process like?

In order to use the 3D printer on your own, you must take two certification classes and complete one staff-mediated print job:

• 3D Printing Basics ​(Course 1/2)
  Learn about 3D printing at Wichita Public Library. Get to know 3D Printing by FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), our MakerBot and Prusa printers, and the properties of PLA (Polylactic Acid), the material they print with.
• MakerBot Processes or Prusa Processes ​(Course 2/2)
  Become familiar with the process of printing to one of the Library’s 3D printers. Learn the best practices for optimizing prints for our MakerBot Replicator+, MakerBot Z18, or Prusa i3MK3S+.
• First 3D Print with Staff
  Complete one staff-mediated print job through a Book-A-Librarian session to make sure you are able to complete a 3D print job on your own.

Our staff also offer Tinkercad courses, which are not required for 3D printing certification. Tinkercad is a free 3D modeling program.

Can't make it to one of the scheduled certification classes? Request a small group (3 people or less) ​Book-A-Librarian​ session to cover the class material.

The Fine "Print"

• The Wichita Public Library reserves the right to review and approve all materials before printing to ensure items do not violate the Library's Customer Code of Conduct​.
• Prints will be limited to weights of 75 grams or less, and no print may exceed three hours.
• Prints will cost $0.20 per gram of filament used, including the required raft and any supports used. This includes the base cost of filament in addition to wear and tear on the 3D printers and their replacement parts.
• Printing costs will be based on the estimated weight given by the 3D print software.
• The TEC-Novation Room will remain locked during the print jobs to prevent other customers from interrupting the print job.
• Customers will receive a 3D Printing Pass that can be shown to staff to provide proof that the customer is authorized to use the TEC-Novation Room.
• The Wichita Public Library will not store print jobs for customers. Any 3D print that is left will be recycled.
• Failure to pick up 3D print jobs, failure to keep the 3D printing area clear of debris, or misuse of the 3D printer will result in loss of certification. A person who has lost certification may retake the certification courses.
• The Wichita Public Library will charge for prints regardless of the final quality of the print. Staff will not refund for incomplete, failed, broken, or misshapen pieces.

Our Equipment

MakerBot Printers

• MakerBot Replicator+ MP07825 3D Printer
  • Maximum Build Volume: 573 cubic inches
  • Maximum Build Dimensions: 29.5 L x 19.5 W x 16.5 H cm. (11.6 x 7.6 x 6.5 in.)
• MakerBot Replicator Z18 Large 3D Printer
  • Maximum Build Volume: 2,549 cubic inches
  • Maximum Build Dimensions: 30.0 L x 30.5 W x 45.7 H cm. (11.8 x 12.0 x 18.0 in.)
• Supported File Types: STL, OBJ
• Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm. (0.015 in.)
• Filament: MakerBot PLA Material - available colors include: True Red, True Orange, True Yellow, True Green, True Blue, True White, Warm Gray (offwhite), Cool Gray, True Black, Natural (clear)

Prusa Printer

• Prusa i3 MK3S+
  • Maximum Build Volume: 677 cubic inches
  • Maximum Build Dimensions: 25 x 21 x 21 cm. (9.84 × 8.3 x 8.3 in.)