Shrewsbury Public Library

3D Printing at Shrewsbury Public Library

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital model by building up layers of material.

A digital 3D model is sliced into layers using a computer program to tell the 3D printer where on the build plate it should deposit the extruded material. The 3D printers at SPL use special types of plastic called “filament” that is then heated up and extruded onto the plate as directed from the slicing software.

The library has two 3D printers: an Ultimaker 3 in the lobby across from the circulation desk and an Ultimaker S7 in a staff area.

Submit a Print Request!

To submit a 3D print job, you must acknowledge that you’ve read and agree with our 3D Printing Policy.

After we receive the request, the team reviews it and makes sure it looks correct and we’ll send you an email to let you know we’ve approved the request. Finally, when your object is printed we’ll let you know it’s ready to be picked up!
Depending on how busy the library is, the request can take up to three weeks between request approval and the print being ready for you.

If you’d like to print something but you’re not sure what the printer can do, browse through our “Ready to Print” items, or take a look at some of the examples at the bottom of the page!

3D Printing Resources

To find designs:

  • SPL has a set of “Ready to Print” designs that we’ve vetted and printed may times before!
  • Thingiverse contains large online collection of 3-D models created by site users. The models on Thingiverse are free to download and mostly ready to print.
  • Cults3d is another website with quite the collection of models for you to browse. Most models are free, but some are available for purchase. They also have themed “collections” for projects with a purpose!
  • Printables is another repository of free and for purchase 3D models, and has clubs and design contests to help show off your designs!

To build your own design:

  • TinkerCAD is one of the most user-friendly 3-D modeling web browser tools out there. Manipulate pre-rendered 3D shapes and create your own unique designs to print.
  • Womp is another 3D modeling web browser tool that allow you o take pre-rendered shapes and merge them, as well as “gooping” them together to create more organic shapes.
  • SculptGL takes a different approach, where you start with a virtual ball of clay and you use tools to manipulate it into the desired shape.

For more information:

  • 3-D Printing Glossary from HP’s Tech Takes is a short and sweet glossary of essential 3-D printing terms to help you find your footing in this new world. It also includes links to other helpful articles on a variety of related 3-D printing topics.
  • 3D Printing Knowledge Base explains what 3D printing is all about through a collection of articles and other resources. Learn about some of the most exciting and innovative applications of this emerging technology, and get some tips and inspiration for your own 3-D modeling & printing projects!