3D Printing Services
Did you know that patrons can print one free 3D printing project a month with their library card? See below to learn more.
- 3D Printing guidelines
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Create your own 3D print designs
- 3D Printing Websites
- Patrons must have a Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library card in good standing. If you are a first-time user, stop by the Circulation Desk to register for a free library card.
- Patrons may print one project per household per month. (Households are defined as individuals or people sharing the same address.)
- Files should be saved in .stl format with a description of the project and the patron's initials in the file name. (For example, bookmark_dt).
- All files must be ready to print. Staff are not able to edit or resize projects. If the file is not formatted correctly, the project will not be printed.
- Projects must take less than 7 hours to print.
- All designs will be reviewed and approved by library staff prior to printing. Weapons, or anything deemed obscene or copyright protected, will not be printed.
- Projects will be printed in one color ONLY. For color options, speak with a staff member at the Reference Desk.
- Email your 3D print file here. Please call the Reference Desk at (626) 307-1368 if you encounter any problems. Files can also be dropped off at the Adult Reference Desk on USB. Staff will copy the file and then return the USB immediately.
- The 3D printer will be handled by designated staff only. The public will not have access to the printer at any time.
- Please allow two weeks for projects to be printed. If the 3D printer malfunctions, staff will attempt to print one more time.
- Staff will contact patrons when their project is ready for pickup. All projects must be picked up within one week unless prior arrangements have been made. Projects not picked up on time become the property of the Library.
Where can I find 3D projects to print?
Patrons can create their own designs using computer aided design (CAD) software. Staff recommends web based CAD programs such as Tinkercad or Thingiverse.
Is this service free?
Yes! Patrons are allowed one free 3D print per month.
What kind of filament does the library use?
The Library will print projects using PLA filament.
What color filament does the library have?
Please contact staff at (626) 307-1368 for a current list of colors.
Can I bring my own filament to print my project?
At this time, the Library does not allow patrons to provide their own filament as it may not be compatible with or could damage the 3D printer.
Can library staff edit my project ?
Projects must be completely ready to print. Library staff is not able to edit or resize projects.
Can I email my project to the library?
Yes, you can email us or can drop off your file on USB at the Reference Desk.
Can I pay for an additional print?
The Library is not able to print more than one project per month per patron due to staff availability.
Can I ask for a reprint if I don’t like the quality of the project?
Reprints will only occur if the 3D printer has technical problems. Prior to printing, review your file for quality and make sure to read reviews if downloading from a website.
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking.
DesignSpark is a platform that provides design solutions and supports engineers to accelerate design cycle time, allow rapid prototyping and get changes to market quickly.
Tinkercad is a free online collection of software tools that help people all over the world think, create and make. It's the ideal introduction to Autodesk, commonly used in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software.
Instructables is a community portal where users can share their DIY projects, including things made for 3D printing.
STLFinder is another search engine for 3D printer files that will crawl the internet, bringing up results for free .stl files and 3D printer models.
Thingiverse is a design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable objects. In the spirit of maintaining an open platform, all designs are encouraged to be licensed under a Creative Commons license, meaning that anyone can use or alter any design.
Yeggi is a search engine for 3D print files only.
Note: These files are for personal use only and you are responsible for ensuring the quality of these files before submitting to the library.
Disclaimer: Items printed by the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library’s 3D printer are to be used at the discretion of the owner of the item. When the printed item is given to the patron, Monterey Park Public Library and the City of Monterey Park are not responsible for the item. This includes any harm or injury that could arise from the use of printed objects.