3D Printing

Bedford Public Library System now offers 3D Printing with Phil the 3D Printer.

Patrons can request a print job by filling out this form.

The 3D printer, located at the Bedford Central branch, is only available to patrons with a valid
BPLS library card.
All 3D printer users must sign the Terms of Agreement before using the printer.
Patrons may choose from a pre-selected catalog of designs to print, or they may print their own designs that have been previously created and saved to an external drive. Acceptable file types for 3D printing include .STL only.
Patrons must submit a 3D Printing Request Form for each non-catalog print. All submissions are subject to approval based on scheduling and availability. After the print has been picked up by the patron, the submission file will be deleted by the library.
Reservations are required to use the printer. Patrons will check in with the circulation desk at the start of their reservation for instructions on how to properly use the printer.
Patrons with 3D printing reservations must be trained by staff prior to using the equipment.
Print jobs must be completed 30 minutes prior to closing. The printer will not run after hours. This means BPLS can only offer items with a 10.5 hour print time or less.
Printed items that are not picked up within 2 weeks of the print will become property of the library. Items must be picked up by the person who made the printing request.
Patrons 12 and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when using the printer.
All prints will use BPLS provided filaments only. The filament available includes PLA spools in a variety of colors.
BPLS reserves the right to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that are unsafe, harmful, or dangerous, as well as obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library.
Copyrighted materials or objects the patron does not have the right to own will also fall under this category.
Staff will do their best to ensure that each print is successful, but cannot guarantee success.
The cost for 3D printing is determined by the weight of the item printed, including all structural supports. BPLS charges $0.20 per gram for each printing project. If the print fails due to design errors, the patron will be charged for the full weight of materials used. If the print fails due to staff or equipment errors, the library will make one attempt to re-print the item, without charge to the patron. Any 3D printing that is part of a library program will have no cost.
Please note, our build plates limit projects to 150mm long, 150mm wide, 150mm tall.