Learn Online

Online Learning

Would you like to learn more about the 3D printer? You can read the class lesson by tapping this link and later, take the quiz. When you finish, we'll add the certification to your library card. For your first print job, we'll set up a time (likely Wednesday or Thursday) to supervise and make sure everything works.

If you wish to print your own items, you must first get certified on your library card.

... or Take the Class

We try to host a workshop whenever a lot of people are interested in a more hands-on approach. If you'd like to join the next workshop, you can send us an email at library@terracelibrary.ca. If you're a school teacher hoping to show the 3D printer to your class, we can set that up too!

Did you see something you like on Thingiverse? You'll still need to get certified to print it on our machine!

Our Printer

Print Catalog

Want to pick up something small and fast? The general catalog is open to all patrons, featuring many trinkets for children.

Changing color is pretty tough on our staff. Anything you request will be printed using the Color of the Week (shown on the display case)!

Patron Projects

Sometimes an ambitious artist puts our machine to the test. Might you one day join their ranks? Click here to see the gallery!

Thanks to Dr. Colleen Froese

Because of her generous donation, the library can offer 3D printing services to local artists and the general public. The Ultimaker 3 is an industrial model, intended for high-end consumer prints. Using any 3D software, you can make any software model come to life!

Because the hardware is a bit difficult to use, we ask that library patrons become certified before booking the 3D printer for their own projects.

Questions

Who can use the 3D printer?

Anyone can print from our catalog! Once certified, you can bring your own 3d models to print! If it's a big project, you can even book up the entire day on our Creation Station.

How do I access the printer?

If you have completed the certification course (either online or through a workshop), you can contact us to set an appointment on our Creation Station.

When can the printer be used?

The printer gets used all the time during our normal hours. If the library is open, you can use the 3d printer! Remember that it takes at least 20 minutes for even very small items, so the last hour of the day is a bad time to start anything.

What kind of Printer does the TPL have and where did it come from?

Our printer is the Ultimaker 3 and was purchased with funds donated by Dr. Colleen Froese in memory of her parents, Emil & Mary Froese.

I don't have my own PC to make art for the printer, can I borrow one?

Dr. Froese's generous donation allowed us to purchase a powerful PC workstation to create digital art assets. When you book the printer, you also book the PC to print from, but it can be booked separately and used for any kind of art you like!

What kind of materials can I print with?

We mainly use a material called PLA (Poly-lactic Acid) due to its versatility, ease of use and bio-compatible nature. It is a safe and effective material that comes in all sorts of colours. We also carry some PET-G and other materials that imitate rubber, change colour with the heat, are as transparent as glass, and much more!

How much does it cost to use?

Print cost is tough to pin down, as material choice and support structures can take up a lot of space! The short answer is that small objects are rarely more than a dollar. The largest, most expensive prints we've seen are still under $30. Making your own items won't save any money, as a filament printer can't outperform a resin printer in this way.

What if my print doesn't work? Do I still have to pay?

If a print fails due to unforeseen circumstances (power outage, mechanical error, filament runs out etc.) you do not pay for the failed job (and you are welcome to keep the partial print). Staff will also do their best to restart the print for you, when possible.

How long do prints take?

Prints can take a very long time, depending on the project. A small ring might take only 10 minutes, but a figurine just 3-5 inches tall could take an entire day!

I'm not an artist! Is the 3D printer still worth my time?

Because many people do not know how to create their own 3D models, we have bookmarked Thingiverse. This website is a primary resource for free 3D models, tutorials on 3D creation, and much more related to the 3D printing hobby!

I have an idea for a product/toy/etc - will you help me create it?

The Terrace Public Library only provides access and education. The hard work is entirely on your shoulders! 3D printing at the TPL gives you an opportunity to experience the technology in a fun, safe, risk-free way to drive curiosity, exploration and education.

Troubleshooting

Under-Extrusion

This happens when your print isn't getting enough material through the nozzle. Missing layers, thin layers, random holes, when it looks really bad your extrusion is likely to blame.

The spools are clear? The nozzles are set to the right size? The layer height is good? If you're confident in your settings, but the job still doesn't look right, it's time to check the material itself!

If your material is too cold, it will increase pressure in the nozzle and mess up the layers. If the material is too hot, you might clog or damage the nozzle. Every filament has recommended nozzle speed and nozzle temperature. Usually, when you lower the temperature, you also need to lower the speed. Please ask staff for help if you're not sure!

Pillowing

When the top surface shows little pockmarks, we call it pillowing. This is always a result of having your shell layer set too thin.

The outer shell of your model should have a "Wall Thickness" that's roughly 6x higher than the layer height you've chosen. If you do that, it'll be nice and thick!

It's also possible that the printer's fan is not working. If that's the case, let us know!

Stringing

These small strands of plastic happen when the nozzle travels and drips. This is almost always because the temperature is set too high for the material in question. Slowing down the nozzle speed can also help.

Never try to print multiple items at once. It will string between the two, as it will insist on switching for every single layer!

Warping

This happens when the material hardens. As it dries, it tends to shrink. When it shrinks, it lifts the corners and edges away from the build plate.

The best thing to do is to help the build plate stay warm. Use Cura to turn up the heat on the build plate and keep the printer door closed!

If that doesn't help, you should try to make a much thicker bottom layer. The easiest way to do this is to add a Brim or a Raft. The Brim will print a thicker layer that peels off when the job is complete. The Raft is the most powerful option that creates a thick lattice, a scaffold for your entire project to sit upon.

Even if it doesn't look like it, your project might need supports turned on. Check under the 3d model in Cura for bright red surfaces: these surfaces need supports!

3D Printer