All locations are closed for Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19. Our Digital Library is available 24/7.

3D Printing

About 3D Printing at SCLD

We are currently only accepting 3D printing jobs from customers who are submitting files from the following:

  • After or during a one-on-one 3D Printing session with library staff
  • After or during attendance at an SCLD 3D printing workshop

We apologize for this inconvenience. To set up a one-on-one session or otherwise discuss 3D printing with library staff, you can:

Video of an Ultimaker 2+ (now retired) printing a chess piece

3D printing is available at Spokane Valley Library. Our 3D printers are an Ultimaker 3 and Ultimaker S3, available for public use (see above).

The 3D printer builds an object from a digital file by adding layer upon layer of plastic filament. It’s somewhat like a hot glue gun, but instead of glue, it extrudes a hard bioplastic derived from renewable starch-based resources.

Few limitations exist when it comes to 3D printing. You can print figures with moveable parts, prosthesis prototypes, board game pieces, fidget toys, and more.

3D Designs

3D Printing for Beginners

For both quick questions and in-depth questions about 3D printing, call 509.893.8400 or email 3Dprint@scld.org. If needed, a one-on-one appointment can be scheduled to get help with in-depth questions, learning how to using 3D printing software, and for creating and submitting files.

You can also learn about Tinkercad, which is computer-aided design (CAD) software used to create 3D renderings, by signing up for a 3D Printing workshop.

You can see one of our 3D printers in action (unless it is undergoing maintenance) at the Spokane Valley Library during open hours. Ask staff at the service desk to learn more about it.

3D Printing for Experienced Users

Please review the basic information and settings below before submitting your 3D printing designs.

Basic Information & Settings

  • Our printers are an Ultimaker 3 and an Ultimaker S3
  • We use Cura Software from Ultimaker (free to download)
  • Polylactic acid (PLA) filament (gray color)
  • Default fill density is 20%. For a different fill density, please indicate this clearly in your print request.
  • Maximum build volume (Length x Width x Height): 215mm x 215mm x 200mm (8.46 x 8.46 x 7.87 inches)
  • Upload limit: 3 files per month (up to 10 hours per design)
  • At this time, 3D printing is offered free of charge.

What to Expect

For One-on-One Sessions

After you call or email, a member of our 3D Printing team will contact you within 3–5 business days to discuss your 3D printing training needs and schedule an appointment if needed.

For 3D Design Submissions

Our 3D Printing team will email you when your print job is finished or if we have questions about your design.

Wait times for 3D printing may be longer when 3D printing demand is high with many designs in the print queue.

We are currently only accepting 3D printing submissions for specific situations (see above). Please email the 3D Printing team at 3Dprint@scld.org or call 509.893.8400 with questions or to discuss 3D printing with library staff.