Valley of the Tetons Library

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3D Printer Policy

 3D Printer Policies & Procedure

Purpose: The Valley of the Tetons Library strives to offer our community of users access to new and emerging technologies to inspire a new interest in creation and collaboration. This policy establishes how and under what circumstances the public may use the 3D printer.

Policy: The Valley of the Tetons Library’s 3D printer is available to the public for educational purpose to make three dimensional objects using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file.

  1. The 3D printer may be used for lawful purposes only. Patrons will not be permitted to use the printer to create objects that are:

* Prohibited by local, state or federal law.

* In violation of anothers intellectual property rights; for example, materials that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.

* Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or that may pose an immediate threat to the well being of others; for example, guns, knives or other possibly lethal weapons.

* Obscene or otherwise inappropriate items for the library environment

* Objects larger than 9″x5″x5″.

  1. The Valley of the Tetons Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
  2. Cost: 3D printing at the library will cost $1.00 per object plus .$.20 per gram to offset the cost of the filament and maintenance of the 3D printer.
  3. Items printed from the 3D printer, that are not picked up within seven days will become the property of the Valley of the Tetons Library. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them. A requesting patron who does not pick up their print forfeits all future rights to use the 3D printer.
  4. Patrons may only use the printer alongside designated library staff or volunteer coaches. Use of the 3D printer is at the discretion of the designated library staff.
  5. Supervision of the use of the 3D printer by library staff does not constitute knowledge or acknowledgment of any unapparent final use of the 3D product and the library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.

Procedure:

  1. It is the responsibility of the requesting patron to design their own creation and prepare it for printing in .stl file format. Design software is available on at least one computer in the library. Digital designs are also available from various file-sharing databases such as Thingiverse.com. Library staff is available for consultation or assistance only.
  2. The design must be applicable for printing with ABS filament and must be versatile to the selection available at the Library Centers at the time of printing. The file size must be no larger than 25MB.
  3. The design should be downloaded to a USB drive as a .stl file. SD cards may be utilized if the file is saved in gcode (.g extension) and provided that library staff are able to view the file prior at one of the Library Centers for preapproval for printing.
  4. Once the review of the file has been completed printing will be scheduled within a reasonable period of time. Same day printing is not assured. The Valley of The Tetons Library reserves the right to schedule only one print per day per person or entity.
  5. Once a design has been approved for printing, the requesting patron must be present for the initiation of the print process (i.e.- 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the print job, after the machine begins placing filament on the plate). Once the printing has begun the patron may leave and return within the designated time to retrieve their 3D print.
  6. Print times are estimates and cannot be guaranteed. Print jobs of over five hours will be cancelled.
  7.  The requesting patron must pay for the 3D print before it can be turned over to them. The requesting patron is responsible for all errors that occur during the printing process. If the object does not print correctly due to design errors, it is the responsibility of the user to pay for the object. It is recommended that before you submit your file, you utilize a software that checks for errors and helps to repair them.
  8. You must clean your own rafts and supports. Small bumps or holes and rough edges on the object may occur. These can be cleaned up with fine sand paper or other tools.

Disclaimer:

This Policy and Procedure may change at any time.

While the library staff make every effort to oversee the use of the equipment in the printing of an object the use of the printed object upon completion is not under the direction or control of the Library District. The MV Library District is not responsible for any object created with use of the 3D printer, including any harm or injury incurred as a result of any usage of the3D printer or the object which is printed.