You can print three-dimensional objects using the ORL’s 3D Printers in PLA, a corn based plastic-like substance, using designs uploaded from a digital computer file (.STL, .OBJ). Includes:

• Multiple colours of filament 
• Slicing station with Makerbot Print and/or PrusaSlicer Software
• 3D Printer Toolkit

Locations

Prusa i3 MK3S+ 3D Printer (advanced slicing options and high print quality)

Available at Rutland library & Vernon library.

Makerbot 3D Printer (easy slicing and medium print quality)

Available at Downtown Kelowna library & the Westside Learning Lab.

How to use the 3D Printer

Complete your certification online or at a library branch

Get Certified

To use the 3D printer by yourself, you need to complete a certification course.

Online

There are two online certification courses, which cover different machines and software. Confirm which kind of printer your local Makerspace has.

Makerbot: Complete the certification course on Niche Academy.

Prusa: Complete the certification course on Niche Academy.

You will be asked to create a Niche Academy account (requires email address) to view the full course.

At your library’s Makerspace

Check the events calendar to see when 3D Printing programs are being offered or connect with your local Makerspace to set up a time to get certified. 

Fill out this form

Download the Makerspace Waiver & Guidelines form [PDF]. Complete the Maker Waiver form (page 1), agree to and follow the Makerspace Guidelines (page 2).

Book a 3D Printer Station

Book Online: Browse and reserve maker stations on our online booking calendar, Spaces. You will be asked to create a Spaces account (and confirm your email address) to complete your first booking request.

Maker stations can be booked online two days in advance. For next day or same day bookings, please phone the library to ask if there are openings.

Please contact Rutland library directly to book their 3D Printer.

What to Bring

1. Your library card and photo ID.
2. Your own personal storage device (USB stick/thumb drive) to save your work. You can also use personal online storage.

Printing Notes

Printing costs are $0.10 per gram of filament. The cost of the print will be charged to your library account, which can be paid online or at the library. You are allowed three attempts/fails at no cost.

Staff may cancel a print job if for any of the following reasons:

• the object goes against Makerspace Guidelines.
• if the design has a high chance of failing to print.
• the time needed for the print job goes over your booked time for the 3D printer.

Help

Check our events calendar to see when 3D Printing programs are being offered. 

If you need further help, check out these resources:

• First Print with PrusaSlicer: Instructions for Prusa
• Printables: A collection of pre-designed 3D projects for Prusa
• How to use Maker Print: Instructions for Makerbot
• Thingiverse: Online community and database of design ideas and shared project files for Makerbot
• How to use the Makerbot+: User Manual in PDF

Policies & Guidelines

When using an ORL Makerspace, please follow these rules (PDFs):

• Makerspace Guidelines (pg. 2) 
• Makerspace Safety Guide
• Maker Responsibilities
• Intellectual Property Guidelines

To use an ORL Makerspace independently, all makers must:

• Complete a Makerspace Waiver
• Verify your identity to staff with valid library card and photo ID.

You'll need a library card to use our maker tools. Get a card.