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 our 3D printers.
• 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, Prusa i3 MK3S+, or Prusa MINI+.
• 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 are limited to 75 grams or less, and no print may exceed four hours.
• Prints cost $0.10 per gram of filament used, including the required raft and any supports used, based on the estimated weight given by the 3D print software. This includes the base cost of filament in addition to wear and tear on the 3D printers and their replacement parts.
• Once certified, you will receive a 3D Printing Pass that can be shown to staff to provide proof you are authorized to use the TEC-Novation Room.
• The TEC-Novation Room will remain locked during print jobs to prevent other customers from interrupting the print job.
• The Wichita Public Library will not store print jobs for customers. Any 3D print that is left behind will be discarded.
• Failure to pick up 3D print jobs, not keeping the 3D printing area clear of debris, or misusing a 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 Printers

MakerBot Replicator+

• Hardened steel 0.4 mm nozzle
• 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 Z18

• Brass 0.4 mm nozzle
• 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.)

Prusa i3 MK3S+

• Hardened steel 0.4 mm nozzle
• Maximum Build Volume: 677 cubic inches
• Maximum Build Dimensions: 25 x 21 x 21 cm (9.84 × 8.3 x 8.3 in.)

Prusa MINI+

• Brass 0.25 mm nozzle
• Maximum Build Volume: 343 cubic inches
• Maximum Build Dimensions: 180 x 180 x 180 mm (7 x 7 x 7 in.)

Available Filament

PLA, PLA+ (assorted colors including Silk, Matte, and Metallic varieties)