The Library will be closed on Sunday, March 31, 2024, in observance of Easter

3D Printing

A table with a 3D printer.

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.


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 must be present to complete an invoice before their print job is printed. 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 must be in STL (stereolithography) format. 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 MakerBot brand PLA filament. 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.


  • 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.


    Software

    Designing for 3D Printer:

    • Blender
    • Fusion360
    • Solidworks

    Operating 3D Printer

    • MakerBot Print
    • ideaMaker COMING SOON

    Hardware

    PC:

    • MakerBot Replicator+
    • Smart Extruder+
    • Nozzle Diameter: 0.4mm
    • Raise 3D Pro2 Plus COMING SOON

3D Titles

  • 3D Cad With Autodesk 123D: Designing for 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, and Personal Fabrication

    3D Cad With Autodesk 123D: Designing for 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, and Personal Fabrication

    Au, Jesse Harrington
  • 3D Printer Projects for Makerspaces

    3D Printer Projects for Makerspaces

    Cline, Lydia Sloan
  • 3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids: Create Amazing Projects With CAD Design and STEAM Ideas

    3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids: Create Amazing Projects With CAD Design and STEAM Ideas

    Sequeira, Eldrid
  • 3D Printing at School and Makerspaces

    3D Printing at School and Makerspaces

    Boozarjomehri, Keon
  • 3D Printing Basics for Entertainment Design

    3D Printing Basics for Entertainment Design

    McMills, Anne E.
  • 3D Printing for Dummies

    3D Printing for Dummies

    Horne, Richard
  • 3D Printing With Autodesk 123D®, Tinkercad®, and Makerbot®

    3D Printing With Autodesk 123D®, Tinkercad®, and Makerbot®

    Cline, Lydia Sloan
  • 63 Ready-To-Use Maker Projects

    63 Ready-To-Use Maker Projects

  • Blender for Dummies

    Blender for Dummies

    Van Gumster, Jason
  • Creating With 3D Printers

    Creating With 3D Printers

    Leavitt, Amie Jane
  • Fusion 360 for Makers: Design Your Own Digital Models for 3D Printing and CNC Fabrication

    Fusion 360 for Makers: Design Your Own Digital Models for 3D Printing and CNC Fabrication

    Cline, Lydia Sloan
  • Getting Started With 3D Printing

    Getting Started With 3D Printing

    Kloski, Liza Wallach
  • High-tech DIY projects With 3D Printing

    High-tech DIY projects With 3D Printing

    Murphy, Maggie

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