What is 3D printing?

3d printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process in which solid objects are created from various materials based on 3d digital design. Rather than cutting away material, objects are created by printing layers of material that are combined to produce a physical object. Printing fun figurines, jewelry, or prototypes for engineers and architects can all be done on 3d Printers.

One of the biggest misconceptions about 3D printing is the amount of time it takes to produce an object. It’s not a quick process; for example, printing a king or queen chess piece takes nearly one hour. When thinking about 3D printing, it’s important to remember prints are being created one thin layer at a time so height, depth, supports and in-fill all factor in to the final print time.

What can I print?

Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to 3D printing. The , so anything larger than this would need to be printed in stages/parts. The Independence Public Library’s 3D printer may be used for lawful purposes only. Patrons are not permitted to use the Library’s 3D printers to produce materials that:

• Violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations;
• Look like, function as, or appear to function as weapons or parts thereof;
• Appear unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or that otherwise pose a threat to the health or safety of others, including animals;
• May be construed as obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment;
• Potentially violate the intellectual property rights of others.

The Library reserves the right to refuse the production of any content at any time at the discretion of Library staff. By submitting objects for printing, the patron assumes all responsibility for, and shall hold the Library harmless in, all matters related to patented, trademarked, or copyrighted materials.

Print Bed Sizes

• Flashforge Adventurer 3: Print Bed is 150 x 150 x 150mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9inches)
• Creality Ender 3 Pro: Print Bed is 220 x 220 x 250 mm (8.66 x 8.66 x 9.84inches)

Limitations on Use

The Independence Public Library’s 3D printing service is designed for rapid prototyping and patron’s enjoyment and creativity. This service is not intended for production or manufacturing, and the Library reserves the right to refuse to print large numbers of identical objects. Patrons seeking to print large numbers of identical objects, can speak to a librarian about our Small Business Lab scholarships to the FabLab ICC.

Cost to Print

• Membership Fee
• Filament Price/hr
  • PLA Filament: $0.50/hour printing, IPL will round down to the nearest quarter.
• Failed PLA Print Less Than 1hr: $2.00 (two attempts)
• Failed PLA Print Longer Than 1hr: $2.00 (two attempts)

Who Can Print 3D Models at the Independence Public Library?

With our “Quick Print” option, anyone at all is able to observe and receive a pre-programmed printed item at cost (see display for current options).

Conversely, any patron with a library card in good standing may use the Library’s 3D print services for specific files they’d like to submit. Not an Independence Public Library card holder? Sign-up for a free library card, or speak to library staff about alternative options.

Staff members can help with very basic software support, but are unable to design files. Please note IPL cannot scan objects to be printed, as we do not have a 3D scanner.

How can I use the 3D printer to print my model?

Using the 3D printer is easy and we have two ways to try printing. If you’d like to try 3D printing, but don’t have a particular file in mind you can use our “Quick Print” option. This option has several different models to choose from, and are available to print any time (Printing is stopped at 4:45 PM daily). Staff have selected models that print in hour or less so they can be started and collected in a modest length visit to the library. These models will be switched regularly, so be sure to check back on subsequent visits.

For printing your own designs, all you need is a 3D model that can be “sliced” using FlashPoint or UltiMaker Cura software. Files must be submitted in print-ready status. The Library is not responsible for files that will not print and staff will not make modifications to the design. To request a specific 3D print, follow the steps below:

Submitting your design for printing:

1. Patrons desiring to use the 3D printer shall bring their file in .stl, or .obj. (have a different file format? Check with library staff) on a flash drive, to the circulation desk during regular operating hours, and complete the required form. Patrons can also submit their file digitally on IPL’s website. Staff will review the file and, if acceptable, add the request to the printing queue. IPL staff will contact the patron to let them know whether or not their file has been accepted along with the estimated cost of the print.
2. If there is high demand, the Library may choose to schedule only one print per day per person.
3. Files will be readied with FlashPrint or Cura. The Library will view all files in the appropriate software before printing.
4. If an item fails to print, the patron will be notified, and asked if they would like to have another try. Patrons will be charged a flat fee (Mentioned in “Cost of 3D Printing”) plus the additional fee for the second print. If an item fails a second time, the patron will be charged the flat fee for both attempts and Library staff will not attempt to print the file again.
5. Items may be retrieved at the Circulation Desk. It is difficult to estimate exact print times. Library staff will provide their best estimate of the length of time of a job upon approval of file. The patron will be notified upon completion by a Library staff member (either by phone or e-mail).
6. Hand drawn designs will not be accepted.

Please note that there is NO guarantee of anonymity. Submitted files will be observed by library staff, and due to the location of the printer, items will be seen by patrons utilizing the library when the file is being printed. Items will be stored behind the circulation desk until they are ready to be picked up.

Print Queue

Independence Public Library staff have the sole discretion to determine the order in which 3D models are printed. Patrons are limited to printing one 3d item at a time and may have only one item in the print queue at a time. If a 3D model consists of multiple separate parts, each part will constitute a single item. Because of limited staff and hardware resources, the Independence Public Library cannot guarantee completion times. Library staff will contact patrons when printing is complete and patrons must pick up completed models within two weeks. If models are not picked up within two weeks following completion, then the print becomes the sole possession of the Independence Public Library, and the cost of printing will be applied to your library account, or in a manner deemed appropriate by IPL staff.

Claiming Your Prints

When your print is completed, you will be notified by the library that you have an item “On hold” available for pick up. When you come to claim your hold from the Circulation Desk (first floor desk), you will pay for the item at that time. Questions about this process should be directed to the Coordinating staff.

Quality

The Independence Public Library cannot guarantee and is not liable for the final appearance of 3D printed objects. The Library is not liable for any damages, human injury, and /or costs in the event of a failure of a 3D printed object. 3D printed objects may have small bumps, holes, and/or rough edges. These can be cleaned up using fine sand paper or steel wool. Objects are printed from the bottom up. If a design has a large overhang or suspended parts, support material and/or rafts may be used. These are easily removed by the patron. The Library will not be responsible for removing any supports, or assembling pieces from a print.

Unsuccessful Prints

Because of inherent limitations with equipment, the Independence Public Library does not guarantee that any 3D model will print successfully. If a print fails due to Library staff error or hardware failure, the Library will attempt to reprint the object, and the patron will not be charged for the failed attempt, except as stated in the next paragraph. The Library may refuse to reprint the object after two unsuccessful attempts.

The Library may refuse to print 3D models that clearly contain errors or that are as determined by Library staff, beyond the capabilities of the Library’s equipment.

Please note that procedures governing the use of the Library’s 3D printers are subject to change at any time.

What is a Cricut?

Cricut is an electronic cutting machine for DIY projects and crafts. It precisely cuts a wide variety of materials from paper to iron-on to adhesive vinyl—even thick materials like leather and burlap. It is a cutting and drawing machine, that takes designs created on a computer and cuts or draws them onto materials such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more. The Cricut can be used to make signs, custom t-shirts, labels, greeting cards, coffee mugs and much more!

Cost:

• Membership Fee

Machines:

• Mint Green Cricut Explore 3
• Cricut Mug Press
• Cricut EasyPress 2 Mint 12”x12” Press

Cricut Explore 3

Cricut Explore® 3 works with 100+ materials, bringing incredible speed and precision to every project. And with Cricut Smart Materials™, you can make long, easy cuts up to 12 ft (3.6 m) without using a cutting mat – just load & go! So whether you’re making custom home decor, decals for your car, or heat-transfer logos to outfit the team, you’ll be ready to tackle every creative task that comes your way. Works with free Design Space® app for iOS®, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®.

Cricut Easy Press 2

The Cricut Easy Press 2 is an adjustable (heats up to 400℉) press for your everyday iron-on essentials. Cricut Easy Press 2 gives you professional iron-on results in 60 seconds or less. Combining the speed of a heat press and the convenience of an iron, Easy Press gives you fast and foolproof results that really stick, even after repeated washes. Eliminate guesswork with rigorously tested time and temperature settings for every project; apply gentle pressure, and when the beep sounds, you’re done. Helpful safety features include an insulated resting base and auto-shutoff feature. Easy Press is lightweight, portable, easy to store, and compatible with major brands of heat-transfer material.

Cricut Mug Press

Make a mug masterpiece in minutes with Cricut Mug Press™. Just create your design using Cricut Infusible Ink materials, attach it to your mug, and the press handles the rest! Personalize your Infusible Ink compatible mugs* with unique art, a monogram, or whatever your heart desires. It’s got a patent-pending heat plate for excellent, consistent results and no manual temperature or pressure settings. Thoughtful safety features include auto-off.

*For use with compatible sublimation mug blanks, polymer coated, 11 – 16 oz (350 – 470 ml) straight wall only; 82-86 mm diameter mugs +/- 1 mm (3.2-3.4 in).

Tools:

• Spatula
• Weeder
• Scraper
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Standard Grip 12”x12” Mat

Policy:

Use of the Cricut is at the discretion of library staff. The library reserves the right to deny use of the equipment. The Cricut may only be used by library cardholders.

It is expressly prohibited:

• To print/cut any object that is intended to physically harm, or attempt to harm, a person or animal in any way.
• To print/cut obscene or inappropriate materials.
• To print/cut any object that violates or infringes up on a patent, trademark, or other proprietary right. Use of the Cricut and associated equipment shall follow all legal guidelines. U.S. Copyright Law governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials.

The library will not be liable for functional failure of, injuries, or property damage caused by objects or materials made through the use of the Cricut. The library strongly recommends that the Cricut not be used to make things that could prove harmful or that would result in significant cost to the user if they fail. The library does not guarantee a successful cut.

What do I need?

A design prepared in Cricut Design Space

• Cricut Design Space is a free program for your Windows, Apple, and Android devices.
• Cricut will upload a variety of file types: JPEG, PNG, SVG, DXF, EPS

All materials to create your project (see below).

Transfer tap for applicable projects (see Tips and Additional Info below)

Additional cardstock or butcher paper for heat press projects (see Tips and Additional Info below)

Anywhere from 30 minutes for a small design to several hours for a larger/more detailed design.

The Library currently does not sell or provide materials, including pens and copy paper, to use with the Cricut.

What Materials can I use?

Material must fit within the size of the work area:

• Width: 13 inches’ maximum
• Length: 12 feet maximum

Common materials include:

• Copy Paper (white, patterned, printed, etc.)
• Cardstock (adhesive, chalkboard, glitter, etc.)
• Vinyl (printable, adhesive, matte, glossy, stencil, etc.)
• Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl
• Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets
• Cricut Pens and Marker (must be Cricut brand to fit in machine)
• Cricut Infusible Ink Pens and Markers (nust be Cricut brand to fit in machine)
• Foil transfer sheets
• Fabric

Cricut has many materials you can purchase for use. Except for Cricut pens, markers, and Infusible Ink products, you can purchase off-brand materials from most craft retailers. The local Walmart also has a large selection of Cricut materials.

You can purchase materials online at the following sites:

• Cricut – cricut.com
• Michaels – michaels.com (Michaels is an official partner with Cricut, and some items are exclusively available at Michaels.)
• Jo-Ann – joann.com
• Amazon – amazon.com
• Paper Source – papersource.com
• Etsy – etsy.com

How to Use the Cricut Explore 3

Getting Started

To begin, go to http://design.cricut.com.  Create your own account to save your personal desgins.

Click on “New Project” to create a new project.

You will be directed to a blank canvas. If you have a shape that the design will go on in mind already (e.g. an apron, card, etc.), you can click on “Templates” and choose the shape you desire.

Upload an Image

To cut out an image, you want to upload it to the Cricut account. Go to “Upload,” located on the left menu at the bottom. Select “Upload image.” You will then either be able to drag and drop your file into the selected area or click on “Browse” to pull your image from your computer.

When choosing an image to cut with the Cricut, it is best to find something with either a solid color or transparent background. On a Google image search, this can be done by selecting “Color,” choosing “Transparent” or any solid color. Transparent backgrounds are marked with small white and grey squares. Independence Public Library also recommends that you only choose images that are labeled with “Labeled for reuse” to avoid copyright infringement.

Once the image is saved onto your computer, upload it onto Cricut.

Choosing Image Printing Complexity

The next step asks you to select the complexity of the image. On the left side of the page, you will see the image you have just uploaded. On the right side, there are the three levels of complexity. This example uses “Simple,” as it does not have any small details to cut and has a white background. Once you’ve chosen your level, you’ll be able to see what the cut would look like. Hit “Continue,” located on the bottom right of the screen.

If your image has a transparent background, you will not need to do anything.

Creating a Transparent Background

If your image has a transparent background, you will not need to do anything. If your image has a colored background, then you want to clean it up so that only the silhouette of the image you wish to cut remains. Do this by going to the Erase tools at the top left of the page. “Select and Erase” erases all similar pixels, leaving a transparent background. The “Erase” option allows you more control over what gets erased. You can select the size of your erase and then erase the parts of the image that you do not want. If you do not like what you have done, you can always undo the action with the “Undo” arrow. The “Crop” tool, next to the “Erase,” allows you to cut the image. Left click with the mouse, drag, and select the part of the image that you wish to keep. Release the left click button and it will automatically crop what you have selected. This is especially useful if the image you want to cut is much smaller than the picture.

When your image is prepared for cutting, hit “Continue.”

Preparing to Cut

Since this tutorial is just about how to cut an image, select the option on the right side, “Save as a cut image.” “Save as a Cut Image” will cut out the silhouette of the grey-colored image. Make sure it looks accurate to what you wish to cut.

Hit “Save.”

Importing to Canvas

You will be redirected to your Upload page. Double click on the image you wish to use. This will import the image to your canvas.

Note that the measurements on the canvas will mirror the cutting mat. Therefore, be careful that you do not put images on the canvas that are larger than the cutting mat. Independence Public Library’s cutting mats are all 12” x 12”, so the images you cut need to be smaller than this. You can resize the images or move them until they fit on the mat. It is also possible to duplicate the images by copying and pasting them. Make sure that no parts of the image overlap with another cut; if this happens, it may not cut properly.

Take the paper that you wish to cut the image on. Remove the plastic covering from the Cricut cutting mat. Set it aside. Do not throw the plastic covering away or lose it since it protects the stickiness of the mat. Line up the paper with the measurements on the cutting mat. You want the top left corner to match the top left corner of the cutting mat’s measurement markings. Smooth the paper out so that there are no bubbles. Check that the image you’re cutting will go within the dimensions of the paper.

Clear your cutting space. It’s important to clear both the front and the back, as you do not want the mat to hit an obstruction.

Make Your Print

Return to the Cricut canvas and hit “Make it.” The page will load what the cut will look like. Note that it does not always follow the layout you had on the previous page. Make adjustments as needed. Clicking on Material Size adjusts the size of the material on the Cricut program so that you have a more accurate view of the cut and the paper. Hit “Continue” when ready.

Load the Print

Connect the machine. The Cricut has a USB; connect it to the laptop. Turn on the Cricut. It should pop up as Explore Air 2 when it successfully connects. Hit the “Open” button to open up the Cricut machine. Adjust the material setting to the type you are using for the cut. Make sure you choose the correct setting, or it may not cut through or may cut too hard and damage the mat.

To load the mat, slide it under the guides. Hit the “Load” button.” Make sure the paper lines up with the blade on the Cricut.

Cut Your Print

Press “Go” on the machine. The Cricut will now begin to cut. On the computer screen, you will be able to see how far along the Cricut is in cutting.

To take the paper off, pull on one corner of the paper until it comes off. The pick works for more detailed work, the flat blade can be used for bigger works.

When you are done with cutting, replace the plastic sheet onto your mat to preserve its stickiness.

Tips and Additional Info

Adhesive Vinyl Projects

Adhesive vinyl is great for decorating and customizing everday items like wood signs, cups, picture frames, laptops, and more! This vinyl comes with a layer of adhesive so it is ready to stick on your item, both in permanent or removable options. Avoid tiny or thin lines in your design. You will need transfer tape to move your design onto the item you are decorating.

Materials you will need to complete your project:

• Vinyl
  • Permanent is recommended for outdoor or washable items
  • Removable is recommended for laptop or wall décor
• Transfer tape

Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl Projects

Heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl is great for customizing t-shirts, bags, or other fabric items! Unlike regular vinyl, it does not have a layer of adhesive and is meant to adhere to fabric using a heat press. The end result will have a layer of vinyl on top of the fabric. Most brands (Cricut, Siser, Silhouette) of heat transfer (iron-on) vinyl have built-in heat resistant transfer tape. The heating process for each brand can vary, so read the accompanying directions carefully.

Materials you will need to complete your project:

• Heat Transfer (Iron-On) Vinyl
• Heat Resistant Transfer Sheet (only if not built-in)

Infusible Ink Projects

Infusible Ink projects are not recommended for beginners as it is an intermediate-to-advanced project. Unlike heat transfer vinyl, Infusible Ink infuses the color from your design into the fabric when heat is applied and does not add a layer on top of the fabric. The design can be created using Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or Infusible Ink pens and markers. Currently, the Infusible Ink supplies can only be purchased at Michael’s. Infusible Ink will only work with Cricut shirts and bags, or with white or light material made of 85% or more of polyester. Patrons can be denied access to the equipment if patron does not have the appropriate material to protect the heat press from damage. The Infusible Ink can bleed onto the Teflon sheets or heat press, ruining it for future use.

Materials you will need to complete your project:

• Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets (if applicable for your design)
• Infusible Ink Pens or Markers (if applicable for your design)
• Cricut Infusible Ink Blank Materials
  • Or material made of 85% or more of polyester
• Cardstock (quantity dependent on project)
  • You will need cardstock inside the shirt or bag to protect the bottom layer.
  • Cardstock (or butcher paper) is also necessary on top of the design to protect the heat press
  • If the ink bleeds onto the cardstock, it cannot be reused in the heat press
• For large quantity projects, please bring butcher paper and heat-resistant tape
  • Necessary on top of the design to protect the heat press
  • If the ink bleeds onto the butcher paper, it cannot be reused in the heat press.

• Make – Make is an American magazine published by Make: Community LLC which focuses on Do It Yourself and/or Do It With Others projects involving computers, electronics, metalworking, robotics, woodworking and other disciplines.
• SBDCNET National Information Clearing House – The SBDC’s national information clearing house and small business information center; links to business plan info, industry resources, demographic resources and more.
• SCORE – SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors.
• Entrepreneur – Contains small business information and links to other sites
• TinkerCAD – Tinkercad is a free-of-charge, online 3D modeling program that runs in a web browser. Since it became available in 2011 it has become a popular platform for creating models for 3D printing as well as an entry-level introduction to constructive solid geometry in schools.
• Thingiverse – Thingiverse is a website dedicated to the sharing of user-created digital design files. Providing primarily free, open-source hardware designs licensed under the GNU General Public License or Creative Commons licenses, the site allows contributors to select a user license type for the designs that they share.
• Cults3D – Find and download the greatest 3D models for your 3D printer.
• Michaels – Michaels is an exclusive partner of Cricut. Discover ideas and Cricut projects here.