3D printing

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Discover technology that turns ideas into 3D reality

Whangarei District Libraries offers a 3D printing service.

The printer, an Ultimaker 2+ is located at Whangārei Central Library and is available for everyone of all ages, for printing hobby prototypes, artistic creations or household items and toys. 

How to use this service

Using the 3D printer is easy. All you need is a 3D design saved or exported in .STL (stereo lithography) file format.

Where do I get a 3D design from?

There are 2 ways to obtain 3D printing designs for printing:

Download

Many designs can be found online, copyright-free, for personal use:

Thingiverse

MyMiniFactory

Pinshape

Design your object using free CAD (computer-aided design) software

There are free online software which will help you get started with the concepts of 3D design:

SketchUp - is fun and easy to learn

Tinkercad - is great for all ages and does not require any downloads.

About printing objects

What kinds of objects can I print?

Anything except offensive material or weapons. We review every object file before it is printed.

The 3D printer's maximum build volume (WxHxD) is 20 x 20 x 20 cm.

What colours are available?

Your object will be printed in one solid colour - white or grey.

You can paint your object in any colour later.

How long does it take?

Longer than you might think!

If an object has many layers or a complicated structure, it can take hours to print.

Simpler, flatter designs can be finished in as little as 5 minutes.

We will only print objects that take less than 4 hours. 

3D printing prices

The cost for printing is $2.00 set up fee plus 20 cents per metre of plastic filament used.

We can give you an estimate prior to printing your model and let you know the exact price once it has finished.

Most medium-sized or medium complexity models cost $5.00 or less.

Remember, the more intricate or larger your model is, the more plastic it will use.

How do I print my object

Step 1.Deliver your .stl file to the library

  • take it to the Information desk at Whangārei Central Library on a USB drive

Step 2.File review

We will review your file and queue it to print, then let you know when it will be printed.

Step 3.Check your print job

If you have emailed us your file, we suggest you come to the library while it is printing to check it. 

Step 4.Pay and pick up

We will contact you when your 3D print job is ready.

Pay and collect it from the Information desk on the ground floor of the library.