The 3D printer is presently undergoing maintenance and will not be available until further notice.
For any inquiries, please email cklibrary@chatham-kent.ca.
Chatham-Kent Public Library provides a 3D printing service. You can submit your models from the comfort of your home using CKPL's 3D Print web form.
3D Printing Process
Design a model at home and submit the model to be printed via CKPL's 3D Print web form. Upon receiving a 3D print request, CKPL staff will provide you with a price estimate that must be approved before printing. The duration for completing 3D prints may vary and can take several weeks based on current service demands. If you have a specific deadline, please include that information in your application. Once your model is finished, you will be notified to collect it, and payment can be made at your local branch.
Starting January 1, 2024, the printing cost will be $1.00 plus $0.15 for each gram of filament utilized.
The available filament colours are black, silver, white, and blue.
Ultimaker Printer, Software & PVA Filaments
CKPL uses the Ultimaker S3 printer. The facility utilizes a water-soluble PVA filament that is both biodegradable and non-toxic. While this material is not classified as food-safe, it does provide enhanced and smoother surface finishes. Please note that personally-owned filament cannot be used. For any inquiries regarding model design and printing, please email Ask CKPL.
Rules for 3D printing
The creation of weapons (such as props, accessories, or toys), sexually explicit materials, or any other materials that violate the library's Code of Conduct is prohibited. Users of CKPL's 3D printing service must ensure that they do not violate any individual's intellectual property rights, including copyrights, trademarks, and patents, as well as any other rights related to privacy and publicity.
Tools for 3D Design
TinkerCAD - Free online tool that allows you to create and download 3D models. Users are required to register with this site.
Sketchup - 3D modelling software that's easy to learn and incredibly fun to use. Download SketchUp for free and get started drawing in 3D.
Blender - Great for experienced designers, Blender provides lots of design options but may be difficult for beginners to master.
YouMagine - A large collection of online 3D models shared by YouMagine community members. The site is supported by Ultimaker.
Thingiverse - One of the largest collections of 3D models available online. Very user-friendly. Most models on Thingiverse can be downloaded for free.
Yeggi - A 3D model search engine that searches multiple websites for 3D designs.
Pinshape - A large collection of online 3D models for downloading. Some models must be purchased before they can be downloaded.
Printables - Offers a large collection of online 3D models for download. Most models can be downloaded for free.
GrabCAD - Another large site with several free models for download. Users are required to register with this site.
Cults3D - Offers a large collection of online 3D models for download. Some models can be downloaded for free, as well as paid models.
MyMiniFactory - Models available on this site are mostly designed by professionals. The site also allows for "requests" of 3D models. Some prints are free.
