3D Printing

The Library offers access to 3D printing to support learning, creativity, and hands on exploration.

About the 3D Printer

The Library’s 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes.

The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printer to create material that is:

• Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
• Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others. (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.)
• In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printer can not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
• Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.

Use of the 3D printer is at the discretion of the Library’s staff. The Library reserves the right to deny use of the equipment.

Only designated library staff and volunteers will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.

Only Highland Park Public Library cardholders with a library account in good standing may submit designs for 3D printing.

The Library does not guarantee a successful print. Unless the print fails to finish, the cost of the completed print, regardless of quality, will still be charged.

The Library is not responsible for the subsequent safety of any item made with the 3D printer. 

View additional details regarding the 3D Printer Policy here.

3D Printing Procedure

Only Highland Park Public Library cardholders with a library account in good standing may submit designs for 3D printing.

Design creation:

• The 3D printer can be used with basic knowledge of Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD). Creating a new design requires an advanced knowledge of 3D modeling software products. Any 3D drafting software may be used to create a design as long as the file can be saved in .stl or .obj format.
• Library members must design, scan, create or download their own models for use on the 3D printer; library staff is available for assistance only.
• The printer supports objects up to 8" x 6" x 6"

Submitting a design for printing:

• Fill out the 3D print submission form. Staff will add the model to the printing queue.
• Each card holder is allowed 2 hours of free printing time per week, although you may request up to 8 hours of print time for a fee.
• Prints will be made using environmentally friendly PLA filament in the color the library has in stock at the time of printing. If you need a specific color or a print that exceeds two hours, contact Media Services at (847) 681-7032 or newmeddept@hplibrary.org to discuss your request. The Library cannot guarantee specific colors will be available.
• Staff review and prepare all project files, so please submit appropriate objects.
• Staff reserve the right to refuse to print any item.
• The typical processing time is 2-3 weeks. You will be notified if the printing time will exceed more than 3 weeks. 

The final product:

• You will be notified when your print is complete and objects can be collected at the Computers & Technology desk.
• You must collect your 3D print within 30 days of the notification date. After 30 days, the object will no longer be available and will be forfeited.
• The library is not responsible for failed 3D prints, we will do our best to assist in completing successful 3D prints.
• Procedures governing the use of the Library’s 3D printers are subject to change.