Please note that you may experience delays due to supply shortages, staffing shortages, or equipment malfunctions.
Turn your ideas into reality. Design a project, then send it to the library to be printed. The library's 3D printers use your digital file, plastic filament and heat to "paint" your three-dimensional object layer by layer.
Example Projects
- Create a prototype for potential investors.
- Design a model or replica.
- Make a tool or replacement part.
- Build a prosthetic.
- Create art.
Note: Attach your file (.STL or .OBJ format) and include your library card number in your email.
How does it work?
Service available to anyone 18 years or older with a Westerville Library card in good standing. Minors must submit projects through a parent or guardian.
- Find, edit or create a project.
- Convert your file to format .STL or .OBJ.
- Email your project file and library card number to 3dprinting@westervillelibrary.org.
- Within 2 business days, your project will be evaluated and library staff will contact you with a cost quote.
- Approve the quote.
- Within 14 days of approval, your project will be scheduled to print.
- Within 10 days of completion, you must pay for and pick up your project.
What else do I need to know?
Your use of the 3D printer is subject to the library's Terms of Use, opens a new window.
- Cost: $1.50 per meter of filament*
- Filament: Library-supplied. No custom filament or custom colors will be accepted.
- File Format: .STL or .OBJ
- Melting Point: 190 degrees**
- Payment: Credit card, cash or check accepted.***
- Pickup: Upon completion, projects must be picked up from the desk on the second floor within 10 days.****
- Schedule: Projects may be scheduled in advance up to 14 days.
- Size: Less than or equal to 6 x 6 x 6 inches.
*Cost is rounded up to the next whole meter.
**Be aware that due to the composition and melting point of the filament, projects may not be weather-proof or suitable for some household applications.
***Payment is due upon pickup of the completed project. If a project cannot be completed due to mechanical error on the part of the 3D printing machine, you will not be charged. Projects will be re-attempted once at the next available time.
****If you fail to pickup and pay for a project within 10 days, it will become the property of the library and the cost of the project will be added to your library card account as a fine.
What equipment is involved?
- 3D printer, model: Ultimaker 2 Extended, Ultimaker 3 and Ultimaker S5
- PLA biodegradable plastic filament
Custom Printing
Turn your ideas into reality. Create a project, then send it to the library to be printed.
Advanced Design Station
Design your next project - from a logo to a 3D object - with specialized software.
Digital Creation Station
Transport yourself to another world. Experiment with everything from photography and videography to extended realities.
Recording Studio
Discover the world of sound. The library's recording studio makes creating and editing audio tracks simple and fun.
Custom Printing
Turn your ideas into reality. Create a project, then send it to the library to be printed.
Advanced Design Station
Design your next project - from a logo to a 3D object - with specialized software.
Digital Creation Station
Transport yourself to another world. Experiment with everything from photography and videography to extended realities.
Recording Studio
Discover the world of sound. The library's recording studio makes creating and editing audio tracks simple and fun.
Designer making a killing with game (The Columbus Dispatch)
“I didn’t have money, so I went to the Westerville Public Library to teach myself how to do computer illustration with InDesign,” he said.
Creators flex their visionary muscles in the Innovation Lab.
With guided learning instruction & free tools, creators have been experimenting, gaining new skills, and adding polish to their projects.
Fantasy Replicas Showcase 3D Printing Service
Oct 04, 2023
Library staff craft 3D-printed replicas of staff members as various fantasy archetypes like gargoyles and elves, wizards and sea kings.
Fortune Teller Highlights Potential of Library Equipment
Oct 04, 2023
An awe-inspiring attraction this year is a Haunted Mansion-inspired fortune teller that features a disembodied head.
Designer making a killing with game (The Columbus Dispatch)
“I didn’t have money, so I went to the Westerville Public Library to teach myself how to do computer illustration with InDesign,” he said.
Creators flex their visionary muscles in the Innovation Lab.
With guided learning instruction & free tools, creators have been experimenting, gaining new skills, and adding polish to their projects.
Fantasy Replicas Showcase 3D Printing Service
Oct 04, 2023
Library staff craft 3D-printed replicas of staff members as various fantasy archetypes like gargoyles and elves, wizards and sea kings.
Fortune Teller Highlights Potential of Library Equipment
Oct 04, 2023
An awe-inspiring attraction this year is a Haunted Mansion-inspired fortune teller that features a disembodied head.
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Home Improvement Source
Save money with home repair instructions and how-to articles for common household projects.
Hobbies & Crafts Source
From painting to model building, scrapbooking to gaming, Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center can help you master your favorite art.
LinkedIn Learning
Develop in-demand skills with access to thousands of expert-led courses on business, tech & creative topics for any skill level.
Catie W.
Catie enjoys sharing her favorite audiobooks, cookbooks, and graphic novels with library visitors.
Jessica C.
A veritable walking encyclopedia of stranger-than-fiction facts, Jessica gobbles up information like it's candy.
Adrien B
Adrien looks forward to exploring your interests and passions using the tools in the Innovation Lab.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Catie W.
Catie enjoys sharing her favorite audiobooks, cookbooks, and graphic novels with library visitors.
Jessica C.
A veritable walking encyclopedia of stranger-than-fiction facts, Jessica gobbles up information like it's candy.
Adrien B
Adrien looks forward to exploring your interests and passions using the tools in the Innovation Lab.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
