3D Printing
The Octavia Lab has two Raise3D Pro2 Plus 3D printers. The 3D printers can print up to 12” (L) x 12” (W) x 23.8” (H). Lab members may only use/reserve one 3D printer a day. Only one print request per person will be accepted and printed at a time. Lab members may reserve up to two 3d printing sessions per week (depending on availability).
How does it work?
As a DIY Makerspace, we expect that most members have a passing knowledge of how some of the software/equipment/tools work. For those members who do not have any experience with our offerings, the Octavia Lab provides the perfect venue for self-guided learning. Lab members will have access to a small library of instructional materials such as books, in-software tutorials, and online classes through LinkedIn Learning and NicheAcademy. Be advised that lab staff do not provide one-on-one instruction. However, they will set up, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment.
3D printing requires that you provide a digital file of a three-dimensional object. The object file can be submitted in STL, OBJ, or 3MF format. Lab members must have their submission approved in order to reserve a 3d printer./p>
How do you get your submission approved?
Email your STL, OBJ, or 3MF to octavialab@lapl.org with the subject line "3D print submission". In the body of your email, tell us:
- The requested dimensions for each printed object. For example: The cat should be 3 inches tall.
- The requested quantity of each object. For example: Can you print 3 of the cats and 1 of the dog?
- Any print settings. For example: 50% infill, 3 walls.
- This option is for experienced 3D modelers/printers. If you don't know 3D print settings, staff will use settings that balance quality and speed.
We will respond in one business day to let you know if your submission has been approved. Once you have received approval, give us a call at (213) 228-7150 to set up a reservation. Staff will send a follow-up email requesting authorization to print the submission. The digital model is then run through “slicing” software to create instructions for how the object will be printed. The resulting sliced file is then placed on the 3D printer. The 3D printer heats the PLA to its melting point and then begins laying down the melted plastic according to the instructions in the sliced file.
How much does it cost?
Access to the lab’s software/equipment/tools is limited to lab members only. Lab membership is free. Since we are currently in our soft launch, 3D prints are complimentary. Eventually, 3D print cost will be determined by the length of the print. We will be charging .50 per 30 minutes of print time. The first 3 hours are free. Because the maximum print length is 10 hours, the maximum charge for a 3D print will be $10.
What do I need to bring?
In order to use the 3D Printer, you will need to provide your own digital model. The object file may be submitted as an STL, OBJ, or 3MF file. Other file types will be returned and not printed until converted to one of those formats. Submissions must be printed in 10 hours or less. The Octavia Lab supplies PLA filament for all projects. The Octavia Lab does not require or allow outside filament.
The 3D printer may only be used for lawful purposes. Users will not be permitted to use the printer to create objects that are:
Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
In violation of another’s intellectual property rights; for example, materials that are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or that may pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
Are prohibited by local, state, or federal law;
Are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or which pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others;
Are inappropriate for the library environment; or
Violate another person’s property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce objects or materials that are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
- Blender
- Fusion360
- Solidworks
- ideaMaker
Lab staff will review every object file before it is printed, and the library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
Lab staff is not responsible for design flaws or ill-fitting building parts and will not modify submissions.
Lab members are responsible for design specifications (including measurements, color, thickness of shell, support, and overhangs), so special requests have to be spelled out in the appropriate form field on the invoice.
If you are unsure if your 3D object meets our submission requirements, feel free to submit your file to octavialab@lapl.org. Lab staff will review your request and briefly evaluate each submitted file for size, compatibility with the printer, and the need for support.
