About the 3D Printer
The Prusa MK3S+ 3D Printer at the Shoreline Tool Library is available for members to print useful items and fun accessories in-house. We are thrilled to offer this Makerspace-esque aspect at our tool libraries to help give you the opportunity to build and create! Members of either of our locations may use the 3D Printer at the Shoreline Tool Library.
To begin using the 3D printer, you must attend a 3D Printer Orientation. This is because 3D printers can easily falter when used incorrectly, and we want to make sure your prints go as planned. We currently have two versions of our 3D Printer Orientation: The Basics and Foundations of CAD. They are both beginner-friendly and walk you through how to use our 3D printer, but Foundations of CAD is one hour longer to teach you some 3D modeling skills. Please see our Event Calendar for more details and to sign up. 3D Printer Orientation: The Basics is $25-$60 and 3D Printer Orientation: Foundations of CAD is $35-$75 depending on a self-select sliding scale based on your household income. If you have experience and confidence using 3D printers, you can reach out to ava@seattlereconomy.org for an alternative credentialling method.
Once you are credentialed, you are able to start using the printer on your own. You will be able to reserve time with the printer using your MyTurn account. Below are additional details about how 3D printer reservations work.
If you have any questions, please direct them to ava@seattlereconomy.org
3D Printer Reservation Protocol
- Credentialed members can reserve time on MyTurn through the reservation system.
- You can only reserve one day at a time. The reservation fee is $10, in-house filament use is included in this fee.
- After you request a reservation date, a coordinator will confirm your credential and approve your reservation.
- You can come in any time during the shift of your reserved day.
- The only filaments allowed are PLA and PETG. You can bring in your own filament or use the available in-house filaments.
- You have to stay for at least the first layer of your print, as that is when the print is most likely to fail. After that, you can leave the print running unattended.
- If you leave your print running, you must write your name and email address on the post-it next to the printer.
- Your print must be finished before the beginning of the next shift.
- Coordinators/volunteers may be able to help with the printer but it is not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to use the printer correctly and safely.
- If you are unsure of something, always refer to the written usage guide and online resources first.
- If you notice anything wrong with the printer, notify a coordinator and stop using the machine.
How to Reserve the 3D Printer on MyTurn
- Sign in to your account on MyTurn
- Search for the 3D printer and click the one you would like to reserve
- On the calendar you can see what dates are available. Select your desired day and make sure the pick-up date and return date are the same (same day return)
- You can safely ignore any ‘buffer warnings’ as the machine is only for in house use
- Click ‘Cart’
- Click ‘Submit Request’
- You will get an email confirmation for your request and another email when your reservation is approved.
- When you come in to print, don’t forget to pay the $10 reservation fee at the front desk!
