3D Printing
The Octavia Lab has two MakerBot Replicator+ 3D printers. The 3D printers can print up to 11.2” (L) x 6.0” (W) x 6.1” (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. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lab members may make reservations up to one week in advance. Reservations are done in person or over the phone at (213) 228-7150.
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 works. 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, as well as 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 must be in STL (stereolithography) format. You may submit your STL file via email or on a flash drive. During your 3D printing appointment, Lab staff will have lab members verify that they are printing the correct object, at the correct scale. Lab members who submit their object via email in advance have the option to approve their print submission via email.. The STL file 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 the .STL format. Submissions must print 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 be used for lawful purposes only. 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 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 printer, and the need for support.
