This is an alert bar. Due to COVID-19, face covering required in all MRCPL buildings. Thank you for your cooperation!

3D Printing

Print your ideas into reality.

3D Printer Information

Mansfield/Richland County Public Library provides 3D printing services to the public for creative, educational and practical purposes. The library’s 3D printer(s) are used to produce three-dimensional objects in PLA (polylactic acid) plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital file submitted by the customer.

Items we've printed:

Upcoming 3D Printing Classes

Check out our event calendar for upcoming 3D Printing classes, and other Learning Lab classes and programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of 3D Printer does the Library have?

The Learning Lab currently has two 3D printers, an Imade JellyBOX 2 and a XYZ DaVinci 1.0. Both are small FFM, fused filament manufacturing, printers.

Who can print?

Anyone 18 years or older with an MRCPL library card in good standing can use our printers.

How do I print?

We’ll do the printing for you!  Send us your file using this link.

How do I make an .stl file?

You don’t have to design one yourself!  Ready-made designs can be downloaded from sites such as Thingiverse.

How often can I print?

Each individual is limited to two prints per week.

What kind of material does the printer use?

We use PLA (polyactic acid) plastic.

How much does it cost?

The cost is $0.10 per gram of material.  An estimate of the cost will be generated before we begin printing.

What colors can I use?

Only one color from the list below can be used per print.

  • Pink
  • Red
  • Orange
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • Translucent Green
  • Egyptian Blue
  • Blue
  • Purple
  • Clear
  • White
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Luminous (glow-in-the-dark)

Where do I pick up my finished print?

You can pick up your print from the checkout desk at the Main Library or your local branch location.

When will it be ready?

We aim to complete your print within a week of submission.  You will be notified when it’s ready.

More questions?  Email learning@mrcpl.org or call 419.521.3146

3D Printing Policy

1. The 3D printing service is available to anyone 18 years or older with an MRCPL library card in good standing. Minors must submit projects through a parent or guardian.
2. Print designs must be in the form of a digital .stl file submitted through the library website. The maximum file size is 25 megabytes.
3. Only library materials (filament) can be used in the creation of any model.
4. Only one color of filament can be used in the creation of any individual model.
5. The charge for 3D printing is ten cents per gram of filament. A cost estimate will be generated prior to printing, but the exact cost will be determined after the print job is complete.
6. Customers are limited to two prints per week.
7. Print times for each job are limited to four hours, based on the estimate generated prior to printing.
8. All physical interaction with and configuration of the 3D printer will be performed by MRCPL staff.
9. Supervision of the printing process by library staff does not imply knowledge or acknowledgement of the final use of the 3D-printed product, nor does the library provide any warranty or guarantee that the final product is suitable or safe for its intended use.
10. If a print fails due to a design flaw the library will not be held responsible.
11. All printed models must be collected by the individual who submitted the design, who must present their library card.
12. Failure to collect a printed model within 14 days will result in the model becoming property of the library.
13. The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D printing request for reasons including but not limited to:
-Any item that is unsafe, harmful or prohibited by law
-Any item that is inappropriate for the library environment
-Any item that violates the intellectual property rights of an individual or corporation