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Illustration of the words Clermont County Public Library

3D Printing

We currently have an unexpected outage of our digital Cincinnati Enquirer/USA Today access. Staff are aware and working to resolve the issue. Our apologies for any inconvenience this causes. You can visit the Amelia, Batavia, Bethel, Miami Township, New Richmond, or Williamsburg branches to read a physical copy.

The Clermont County Public Library is committed to access and lifelong learning. 3D modeling is where imagination and technology meet. We currently have 3D printers at the following locations:

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  • Amelia Branch

  • Batavia Branch

  • Bethel Branch

  • Felicity Branch

  • Goshen Branch

  • Miami Township Branch

  • New Richmond

  • Union Township

  • Williamsburg Branch

Photograph of a pink plastic rabbit figure created with a 3D printer

Getting Started With 3D Printing

3D printers transform digital files into three-dimensional physical objects. The digital file type required to print at the library is .stl. The following is a list of free resources:

Beginner Resources

Tinkercad is an online CAD (computer-aided design) software for beginning users. You can use Tinkercad to create your 3D designs from scratch. The site includes lots of tutorials to get you started. Since Tinkercad is cloud-based, you can work on your designs anywhere you have internet access.

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Thingiverse is a free, community-driven website with thousands of ready-to-print 3D designs made by creators around the world. You can search or browse for files that will allow you to print items on a broad range of topics from education, to tools, to entertainment. You also can modify files downloaded from Thingiverse, using them as a launchpad for making your own creations.

Photograph of a black plastic cat figure created with a 3D printer
Photograph of a pink plastic hippo figure created with a 3D printer

Intermediate Resources

Fusion360 is an enthusiast CAD software for users looking for a more traditional design experience. This is free to hobbyists for personal use.

Meshmixer is a modeling tool for separating files. This software is how some 3D printers print in multiple colors.

SketchUp is a traditional CAD system designed primarily with architecture in mind. This is a resource for designing to scale and larger projects.

Note: all designs must be exported in .stl format. Library staff can generate a preview of the 3D design before it is printed.

Guidelines

File requirements:

  • Submit files in-person on a flash drive in .stl format

  • Print time must not exceed 6-8 hours

  • Only one print request allowed at a time

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Prohibited Items 

The Library will not print files containing:

  • Content violating local, state, or federal laws

  • Copyrighted material

  • Weaponry, drug paraphernalia, or other items deemed inappropriate by staff

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Printing Process:

  • Items are printed first-come, first-served; delays may occur

  • Only Library staff operate the 3D printer

  • If a design problem prevents proper printing, staff will stop the process and contact you to adjust the design and resubmit

 

Your Responsibilities:

  • Remove supports and smooth rough edges on your finished print

  • A cleaning kit is available for use in the library upon request

  • Pick up your print within 60 days, or it becomes Library property

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.Questions? Call your local branch.

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