3D Printing

Photo of Bambu Lab H2D 3D Printer. A machine with an enclosed 3D printer and multi-feed filament holder.

The Bambu Lab H2D is a 3D Printer. 3D printing if a form of additive manufacturing, meaning that the printer builds a 3D model by adding layer-by-layer of melted plastic. The Bambu Lab H2D is a FDM (fused deposition modeling) printer, which uses spools of plastic called filament. This filament is fed into an extruder which heats to 200°C to melt the plastic and create a layer. The filament used in Sam's Lab is called PLA (polylactic acid), a soft biodegradable plastic made from corn byproducts.

The 3D printer can be used to create all sorts of 3D models. Not only is it great for creating fun décor items for around the house, it can be used in the following ways:

  • Creating pot planters for your succulents
  • Printing replacement parts for board games or broken items around the house
  • Prototyping parts and testing functionality
  • Printing cosplay items
  • Creating custom accessibility tools like food and soda can openers
  • A Bambu Lab H2D with AMS
  • PLA filament: $0.10/gram with a $1.00 minimum
    • Color selection: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Silver, Gold, Black, and White
  • A 3D design file:
    • Single color files can be in STL (.stl), OBJ (.obj), or 3MF (.3mf) format
    • Multi-color files must be 3MF (.3mf) format. Maximum of 4 colors per file depending on print time. 
  • Where to find pre-made 3D design files:
  • Where to make custom designs:
    • TinkerCad by AutoDesk is a free, web-based 3D design app to modify or create custom designs
    • MakerWord's MakerLab has some online tools for creating 3D designs

To protect the equipment, the 3D printer is operated by staff only. Patrons can submit a 3D print request for staff to print on their behalf.

  1. Find or create a 3D model. At this time, the Creative Studio does not have a 3D scanner to replicate physical items or software that can convert images into 3D models.
    1. Accedpted file formats include STL (.stl), OBJ (.obj), and 3MF (.3mf). 
    2. Find free 3D models at MakerWorld, Printables, or Thingiverse.
    3. TinkerCad and MakerLab are free, web-based 3D designing apps.
  2. Submit a 3D print request below.
  3. Staff will contact you when your item is ready to pick up. Patrons can pick up and pay for their item at the Guest Services Desk at the entrance. Please allow 1-2 weeks for staff to complete your item. 
    1. Printing is $0.10/gram with a $1.00 minimum. Most prints are under $10. 

Multi-color printing coming soon in May! 

Print requests for multi-color printing must be in 3MF (.3mf) format and your model must be multi-color when submitted. Staff are unable to adjust colors for patron's project.

Two ways to find or create multi-color 3MF files:

  • MakerWorld has pre-made multi-color prints. These files must be downloaded as 3MF files to save the color data. 
  • Bambu Studio has a "Color Painting" feature. 3D models in 3MF, STL, or OBJ format can be opened in Bambu Studio and adjusted for multi-color printing. Bambu Studio is free to download and is avialable on Sam's Lab laptops. 

Things to consider:

  • The Bambu Lab H2D supports up to 4 colors. Your 3MF file must not have more than 4 colors. 
  • The Bambu Lab H2D automatically changes the color as it prints. This slows down the printer and wastes filament. 
    • Multi-color prints must still fit a 5-hour print time. 
    • You will be charged for the wasted filament used for color changes. Bambu Studio provides an estimate. 

Read Our Handouts

Title Date File
How To: 3D Print View Document
How To: Cricut Maker HTV View Document
How To: Cricut Maker Vinyl View Document
How To: Silhouette Cameo HTV View Document
How To: Sublimate Print on Fabric View Document
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Craft & Maker Databases

Craft & Hobby

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Explore in-depth online instructional videos and classes that span 22 different creative categories.
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Fiero Code

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Self-paced learn-to-code software for kids ages 8-18. Contains hundreds of coding tutorials and dozens of real-world projects.

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Request a 3D Print

Requests can take 1-2 weeks to complete. Thank you for your patience!  

Keep the following in mind before you submit your request:

  • Single color prints must be in STL, OBJ, or 3MF format.
    • Multi-color printing coming soon! Multi-color prints must be 3MF format with your colors. 
  • File size is limited to 100 MB.
  • Our printer's maximum size is 9.5" long x 5.5" deep x 6.7" tall (or 240mm x 140mm x 170mm).
  • Files will be printed as is. Staff cannot fix designs or add and adjust colors for multi-color prints.  
  • Unless specified, files will be printed with 0.2mm Layer Height and 15% Infill Density with Supports enabled.
  • Supports created in the printing process will not be removed by library staff.
  • Color selection limited to availability.
  • A maximum of 5 hours will be allowed for each print.
  • Please allow 1-2 weeks for your file to be printed.
  • You will be notified via phone or email once your print is complete.
  • We will hold print job(s) at the Guest Services desk for 14 days from the date of notification.
  • Cost: $.10 per gram; $1.00 minimum
    • The cost of multi-color printing includes the cost of filament changes. 
  • The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
Preferred Method of Contact
We will contact you once your 3D print request is ready to be picked up.
Are you single-color or multi-color printing?
Single-color prints will be one color. 
One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: stl obj 3mf.
Colors for Multi-Color Prints (maximum 4)
Multi-color printing requires a 3MF file that has colors set up. Staff are unable to add or adjust colors. 
One file only.
100 MB limit.
Allowed types: 3mf.
Size of 3D Print
Use "Other" if you want staff to scale the item to a certain size. 
If my item exceeds the 5-hour print limit, can staff resize the item to be smaller?
The library can feature this item on its website or social media
We like to show other patrons projects from Sam's Lab. We keep names anonymous for privacy. 
Please use this section to request copies, special print settings, or links to project files. This information helps staff print your item successfully. 
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