3D Printing

Using the 3D Printer

Dremel 3D45 Printer, Desktop 3D printer

The Dremel 3D45 Printer 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 Dremel 3D45 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 the Creative Studio is called PLA (polylactic acid), a soft biodegradable plastic made from corn byproducts.

Project Ideas

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 communication symbols for an individual who is non-verbal or a can opener for an individual with decreased hand mobility

If you have any questions or inquiries, please email svanderheyden@addisonlibrary.org.

Request a 3D Print Explore Stuff We've Printed

What equipment does the Creative Studio have?

  • A Dremel 3D45 Printer
  • PLA filament: $0.10/gram with a $1.00 minimum
    • Color selection: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple, Pink, Silver, Gold, Black, White, Translucent White

What do I need?

  • A 3D design file
    • Thingiverse is a great resource for free 3D models
    • TinkerCad is a free, web-based 3D design app to modify or create custom designs

How to use the 3D Printer

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. The 3D model must be in STL (.stl) format. 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. Thingiverse is a great resource for free 3D models
    2. TinkerCad is a free, web-based 3D designing app
  2. Submit a 3D print request.
  3. Staff will contact you when your item is ready to pick up. Items will be at the Guest Services Desk in the Lobby for pick up.

Resources and Tips

Addison Public Library does not endorse nor profit form these links. These are suggestions of where you can purchase items or find resources, but are by no means an exhaustive list.