3D Printing Rules

The Northbrook Public Library makes 3D printing available to the community in order to foster creativity, learning, and to support STEAM education.

  • Anyone with a library card issued in Illinois, registered with our library and in good standing, may submit designs for 3D printing.

  • There is a charge of $0.06 per gram of material used to print an object, including supports and rafts. An estimate will be calculated by the software used to prepare the file for printing and the estimate will be communicated to you prior to adding the print to the queue. You must agree to pay the final cost as determined by the actual weight of the object, including rafts and supports. The final cost will be added as a fee to your library card.

  • Only one STL or 3MF file may be submitted or in the printing queue at a time.

  • Jobs that require multiple printing of components or longer print jobs may drop in queue position.

  • Objects to be printed must be no larger the the dimensions listed below and must take no more than 8 hours to complete:

    • Ultimaker S5: 330 mm (L) x 240 mm (W) x 300 mm (H)  (approximately 12 in x 9 in x 11 in)

  • The library is not responsible for the functionality or quality of 3D objects printed using library machines or for any injuries or damages that may result from the use of said objects.

  • The library’s 3D printers and scanners may be used only for lawful purposes and may not be used to create files or objects that are:

    • Content or objects prohibited by local, state or federal law
    • Contents or objects in violation of intellectual property rights
    • Weapons or look-alike weapons
    • Objects or materials that would be considered obscene or inappropriate for the library environment

  • Staff reserve the right to refuse to print any item.

  • If you want a filament color that is not supplied by the library, you may supply your own filament that is compatible with our printers, or donate money to purchase the filament. Any donated filament becomes the property of the library.

  • Files should be in STL or 3MF format.

  • If staff is concerned that removing supports or rafts will damage your print, you are responsible for removing the supports and rafts.

  • These rules may change at any time.