3D Printing

We are delighted to announce the newest addition to Westmeath Libraries: 3D Printers in Athlone & Mullingar libraries.

3D printers are tools that let you turn ideas in your head into objects that you can hold in your hand. Offering educational and artistic opportunities, 3D Printing is widely used for prototypes and designing, as well as being popular with hobbyists and DIYers.

Westmeath Libraries provide public access to a 3D printing service in Athlone and Mullingar libraries using Flashforge Adventurer 4 printer.

Policy:

• Westmeath Libraries’ 3D Printers may be used by members of the public to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file.
• The 3D Printer may only be used for lawful purposes. The service may not be used to print obscene or otherwise inappropriate items.
• Westmeath Libraries reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request
• There is currently no charge for creating 3D designs using the library 3D printer
• The maximum print time for a design is 7 hours. Designs that exceed 7 hours will be stopped.
• Fair usage policy applies. You are entitled to 1 free 3D print per week.
• The 3D Printing Request Form (click to download) must be filled out and submitted before printing takes place.
• Designs waiting for collection may be displayed in the library.
• Westmeath Libraries may use images of your printed designs for promotional purposes.

The Printing Process:

Designs can be created using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software or downloaded from sites such as www.thingiverse.com , www.myminifactory.com , www.youmagine.com , www.ultimaker.com.

Designs should be saved in .stl format from the CAD application or website. These can then be emailed to library staff for printing. Please note: The file will be printed “as is” without modification. If supports are needed during printing then they will still be in place when you collect your printed model. The maximum volume for the object is 200mm x 200mm x 250mm

Library staff will contact you via phone or email once your print is complete. Designs not collected after 7 days will become property of Westmeath Libraries and may be recycled or otherwise discarded.

Designs submitted for printing must be Polylactic Acid (PLA) compatible. This is the material used to print objects.

The 3D printer can only be used by designated library staff. Designs will only be printed at times when staff is available to do so.

Designs submitted will be placed in a queue to be printed. Staff cannot give an exact completion time of the print job at the time of submission. Please be aware that print jobs can fail for a number of reasons, and may need to be edited or resubmitted.

Equipment funded by DRCD and Westmeath County Council