3D Printing at the Library

3D printing is available to library cardholders for free at our Marin City Library branch.

What is 3D printing?
3D printing is the process of making a physical object from a digital model. Many designs are available online, or you can create your own. The 3D printer makes the object out of biodegradable plastic.
 Watch a video of our 3D printer in action                       Watch 3D printer live stream

Guidelines for Using the 3D Printer

• The maximum print time is 10 hours. If your design or print job does not fit within that time period you’ll have to make another appointment to finish the print job. To save time, we recommend that you design your print job prior to your appointment, at home or on the library computers.
• You may have a maximum of 4 bookings every month.
• If you need to cancel your appointment, you must cancel at least 1 day prior to the appointment.
• You must have a current library card with a MARINet library to use the 3D printer.
• Appointments are available for all ages.
• Bring your design to the Marin City Library on a flashdrive, saved as an .stl file. Library staff will teach you how to use the 3D printer to get your object started. We recommend you stay for the length of your print, or check in with it periodically.
• Please read the library’s 3D Printing Policy prior to making an appointment.

Book the 3D Printer

About 3D Printing

What is 3D printing? How does it work?

3D printing is the process of making a physical object from a digital model. It’s also known as additive manufacturing because the physical model is built up one layer at a time. Our 3D printer uses PLA (short for Polylactic Acid) filament, which is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer made from plant starch. The filament comes on a spool and is fed through a heated nozzle which melts it. Computer-­controlled motors move the nozzle around to create the shape of your object a layer at a time from the bottom up, and the material hardens immediately.

What are some practical uses of 3D printing?

There are many practical applications for 3D printing – ­­in aerospace and automotive engineering to prosthetics and other medical and science uses. 3D printing enables rapid prototyping of design concepts and functional, working models; it is used for low­-volume, custom, or on­-demand manufacturing.

Why have a 3D printer in the library?

Marin County Free Library wants to provide community access to emerging technologies such as 3D printers to inspire interest in design and help patrons bring their creations to life.

What kind of 3D printer does the library have?

• 3D Printer: Ultimaker 2 using PLA biodegradable plastic filament
• 3D Scanner: Cubify Sense 3D Scanner

Read about our 3D printer in the news >

Further Reading available from the Library

See the complete list >

3D printing at the library is currently free, thanks to WebStar funds from the Marin County Library Foundation and the Friends of the Marin City Library.