3D Printing

Scotch Plains Public Library 3D Printing Policy

Purpose

The Scotch Plains Public Library provides access to 3D printing technology for the creation of three-dimensional objects from digital design files. This policy establishes guidelines for use and outlines the responsibilities of patrons and Library staff.

Acceptable Use

The 3D printer is available for lawful purposes only. The Library will not print objects that:

  • Are prohibited by local, state, or federal law
  • Are unsafe, harmful, or pose a risk to health or safety
  • Are obscene or inconsistent with the Library’s standards for a public environmen
  • Violate intellectual property rights, including copyright, patent, or trademark protections

The Library reserves the right to refuse any print request.

Eligibility & Priority

3D printing services are available to:

  • Scotch Plains residents with a library card in good standing
  • Reciprocal borrowers from STELLA consortium member libraries with a library card in good standing

Patrons must be in good standing with no outstanding library fines or unpaid 3D printing charges. Priority will be given to Scotch Plains residents. Requests from reciprocal borrowers may be scheduled after resident requests or delayed based on demand.

General Guidelines

  • Only trained Library staff will operate the 3D printer
  • The Library does not guarantee successful completion of any print job
  • The Library assumes no responsibility for the final use, safety, or functionality of printed items
  • Printed objects are not intended for medical, mechanical, or safety-critical applications
  • Print size, duration, and quantity may be limited to ensure equitable access

Materials

The Library currently offers the following filament types:

  • PLA (Polylactic Acid): A user-friendly material suitable for decorative items, prototypes, and detailed models
  • PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): A durable material with slight flexibility, suitable for functional items requiring increased strength and heat resistance

Material availability is subject to supply. Library staff will determine the most appropriate material based on the design and equipment requirements.

Flexible filaments (such as TPU) are not available.

File Requirements

Accepted file formats: .

  • stl, .obj, .print
  • Maximum file size: 100MB
  • Maximum build volume: 256mm x 256mm x 256mm

Patrons are responsible for creating or obtaining their own design files. Library staff may provide limited assistance with file preparation but will not create or substantially modify designs.

File Preparation

Library staff will prepare files for printing, which may include:

  • Slicing
  • Adjusting orientation
  • Adding supports, when necessary

Staff will not alter the original design. Files requiring modification must be revised and resubmitted by the patron.

Costs

Fees are assessed to offset material and maintenance costs.

Scotch Plains Residents

  • PLA: $0.05 per gram
  • PETG: $0.08 per gram
  • Minimum charge: $1.50

Reciprocal Borrowers (STELLA consortium member libraries)

  • PLA: $0.07 per gram
  • PETG: $0.10 per gram
  • Minimum charge: $2.00

An estimated cost will be provided prior to printing. Final cost may vary slightly based on actual filament usage. If the final cost exceeds the estimate by a significant margin, staff will obtain patron approval before proceeding.

Charges apply as follows:

  • Design-related issues resulting in print failure: material costs apply
  • Printer or equipment failure: no charge

Print Limits & Queue Management

Print jobs are processed in order of approval, with priority given to residents. Large or multi-part projects may be scheduled at staff discretion to ensure equitable access.

An “extra-large” print is defined as:

  • More than 250 grams of filament, or
  • More than 8 hours of print time

Each patron is limited to one extra-large print per month.

The Library may temporarily suspend new submissions if the queue reaches capacity.

Submission Process

Patrons must complete a submission form (coming soon).

Procedure:

  1. Submit design file and completed form
  2. Staff reviews file and provides a cost estimate
  3. Patron approves estimate
  4. Print job is added to the queue

Print jobs will not proceed without patron approval.

Printing Parameters

  • Objects are printed in a single color unless otherwise specified
  • Color selection is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed
  • Patron-supplied filament is not permitted
  • No new print jobs will be initiated within one hour of closing

Pickup of Printed Items

Patrons will be notified when their print is complete. Completed items must be picked up within 7 days of notification. Items not claimed within this period may be discarded or recycled at staff discretion. Extensions may be granted if requested in advance.

Post-Processing & Quality

Minor imperfections such as layer lines, small gaps, or rough edges are inherent to the 3D printing process. Patrons are responsible for removing supports and completing any finishing work.

Support material used during printing is included in the final cost. The Library will not reprint items due to design flaws or minor quality concerns.

Policy Enforcement

Library staff reserve the right to:

  • Refuse any print request
  • Adjust scheduling to manage demand
  • Interpret and enforce this policy

Questions or concerns may be directed to Library administration.

Policy Review

This policy may be revised at any time to reflect operational needs and best practices.

Adopted by the Scotch Plains Library Board of Trustees on May 20, 2026