FCPL Curated Content: 3D Printing: Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

3D printing is a way to manufacture a three-dimensional object from a computer file. It’s an easy way to build objects you have designed yourself.

How much does this cost?

At present, there is no charge for this service for anyone with a valid Fairfax County Public Library card!

How do I create a design to print on a 3D printer?

There are lots of ways to learn.

To find library programs about designing for a 3D printer, go to the Library events page and search for 3D.
To find library books about designing for a 3D printer, you can search the library catalog.
Find an online tutorial about 3D printing using the Library resource Lynda.com (you'll need your library card number and PIN). Search for Get Started with 3D Printing.
There are several sites online where you can use design software or find files for free, including Tinkercad and Thingiverse. There are lots of tutorials on YouTube also.

What kind of items will the Library print?

You may print anything that does not violate the Terms of Agreement, is too complex for our printers, or takes too long to print.

Can kids do this?

Sure, but it would be a good idea to have an adult involved, and a valid library card is needed to submit a file.

How many items can I print?

One item per week, per valid library card.

Is there a size limit for what I can print?

Most of our printers are limited to projects that take less than 8 hours and no larger than:

150mm long
150mm wide
140mm tall

How can I check the size of my print before submitting?
This is a very common question! A neat website that lets you open an .STL or .OBJ file to check its size is 3dviewer.net. After opening a file, over on the right you'll see the size of the file in millimeters and our build plate sizes can be found on this page. We can usually scale a big piece down to fit our printers, but that will affect the use of a file if has specific dimensions or holes for things like screws.