The Wichita Public Library's 3D printing service gives you the opportunity to let your imagination soar and bring your creations to life.

How can I use the 3D printer?

• You must be at least 14 years old to use our 3D printers.
• You must have a library card ​in good standing​.
• Library staff must certify you before you can use the service.

What's the certification process like?

In order to use the 3D printer on your own, you must take two certification classes and complete one staff-mediated print job:

• 3D Printing Basics ​(Part 1)
  Learn about the process of 3D printing at the Wichita Public Library. Watch as a quick print is completed and learn about software to model and print on your own.
• MakerBot Processes or Prusa Processes ​(Part 2)
  Become familiar with the software to prepare files for the 3D printer. Learn the best practices for optimizing prints for the 3D printers.
• First 3D Print with Staff (Part 3)
  Complete one staff-mediated print job through a Book-A-Librarian session to make sure you are able to complete a 3D print job on your own.

Our staff also offer courses in Tinkercad, a free 3D modeling program. Tinkercad classes are not required for 3D printing certification.

Can't make it to one of the scheduled certification classes? Request a small group (3 people or less) ​Book-A-Librarian​ session to cover the class material.

The Fine "Print"

• The Wichita Public Library reserves the right to review and approve all materials before printing to ensure items do not violate the Library's Customer Code of Conduct​.
• A 3D printer may be reserved up to one week in advance.
• You may book a 3D printer for up to four hours per day.
• Prints cost $0.10 per gram of filament used, based on the estimated weight given by the printer's slicer software. This includes the base cost of filament in addition to wear and tear on the printers and replacement parts.
• The last print jobs of the day must be completed 15 minutes prior to closing. The Library does not offer after-hours or overnight 3D printing.
• The Wichita Public Library will not store print jobs for customers. Any 3D print that is left behind will be discarded.
• Failure to pick up 3D print jobs, not keeping the 3D printing area clear of debris, or misusing a 3D printer may result in loss of 3D printing privileges.
• The Wichita Public Library will charge for prints regardless of the final quality of the print. Staff will not refund for incomplete, failed, broken, or misshapen pieces.
• The Library currently prints with PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament.

Our Printers

MakerBot Replicator+

• Hardened steel 0.4 mm nozzle
• Maximum Build Volume: 573 cubic inches
• Maximum Build Dimensions: 29.5 L x 19.5 W x 16.5 H cm (11.6 x 7.6 x 6.5 in.)

Reserve the MakerBot Replicator+

MakerBot Z18

• Brass 0.4 mm nozzle
• Maximum Build Volume: 2,549 cubic inches
• Maximum Build Dimensions: 30.0 L x 30.5 W x 45.7 H cm (11.8 x 12.0 x 18.0 in.)

Reserve the MakerBot Z18

Prusa i3 MK3S+

• Hardened steel 0.4 mm nozzle
• Maximum Build Volume: 677 cubic inches
• Maximum Build Dimensions: 25 x 21 x 21 cm (9.84 × 8.3 x 8.3 in.)

Reserve the Prusa i3 MK3S+

Prusa MINI+

• Brass 0.25 mm nozzle
• Maximum Build Volume: 343 cubic inches
• Maximum Build Dimensions: 180 x 180 x 180 mm (7 x 7 x 7 in.)

Reserve the Prusa MINI+

Available Filament

PLA, PLA+ (assorted colors including Silk, Matte, and Metallic varieties)