LibGuides: 3D Printing at the Hunterdon County Library: Five Steps to 3D printing at HCL

Step 1 Design or Download a File

Design a file

Use computer aided design (CAD) software to create a 3D model. There are many free CAD programs online.

Tinkercad - A Great Introduction for Beginners

Tinkercad is a free browser based software that helps build the core skills needed for 3D modeling like moving/rotating/scaling/grouping objects. Intro to 3D Design classes using Tinkercad are available at the Hunterdon County Library.

See the page under 3D Modeling Software for more information on Tinkercad and additional software recommendations for designing.

Download a shared file Thingiverse.com

Another good place to start is to find a 3D model designed by someone else and have it printed,. A popular site for sharing 3D print files is Thingiverse.com. Thigiverse is an open source, community of Makers who share their files for under a Creative Commons license. In many cases you can download and print the files for free as long as you are not selling the prints. In some cases attribution is required.

Both the above steps will result in an .STL file. A stereolithography file. This is the file type the library needs to print your object.

Step 2: Complete the 3D Print Request Form

Once you have a .STL file you would like to print and it complies with the Library's 3D Printing Policy. Please fill out the form below. The form includes a section for uploading your .STL file, choosing the color of filament and library you would like to pick up your print at.

Step 3: Slicing the file

Once we receive your file we will slice it using Prusa Slicer. This process adds additional information to the file the printer needs to be able to print the file and results in a GCODE file. GCODE is the file type the printer can understand. Slicing the file also gives the weight of the object in grams. We will email you the cost of the print and need you to ok the charges before we go ahead with printing.

Step 4: Printing the file

After receiving the ok for the charges from you we will print the file.

Step 5 : Pickup your Print

When the file is done printing and is at the library location you chose for pickup you will receive an email that the print can be picked up. Please bring cash or a check for the cost of the print.

Headquarters Library 314 State Rt 12, Flemington NJ. Pick up at the Adult Services Desk

North County Branch Library 65 Halstead Street, Clinton NJ. Pick up at the 2nd Floor Adult Services Desk

South County Branch Library 1108 Old York Road, Ringoes NJ. Pick up at the service desk.