How does 3D Print Takeout Service Work?

Answer

For Libraries

Libraries can now sign up to be part of NLLS' 3D printing takeout service. The process is as follows:

1) Your library signs up to be a pick-up library using the 3D Printing Service Opt-In form.

2) Your library is added to the list of pickup library choices on the 3D printing submission form for patrons.

3) Patrons submit 3D print jobs with you as the pickup library.

4) NLLS prints the jobs, adds the cost to the patron's Leap/Polaris account, and sends the items to you on van run with the 3D Print Shipping Slip attached (see the files at the end of this article for example).

5) Your library receives the item and contacts the patron to let them know it's arrived.

6) The patron picks up the item and pays you the cost added in Leap/Polaris.

7) NLLS bills your library for the item monthly.

For full details, see the 3D Printing Order Procedure at the end of this article.

To support you in promoting the 3D printing service to your patrons, NLLS has provided a Featured Card for use on your Mugo website. For instructions on accessing and adding it, check out the FAQ on How To Use Shared Content From NLLS On Your Website.

For Patrons:

Order a 3D print and pick it up at your local library! 

We are pleased to be able to offer takeout-style 3D printing services at the library. Simply find a file you’d like to print and submit it to our form. It will be printed at Northern Lights headquarters and sent back to be picked up from the library you select. 

 

Some ground rules (you will need to read our Terms of Service in full before submitting your print): 

  • You must be a member of a Northern Lights Library System library, but you may choose to pick up at any participating location. 

  • We can only accept submissions in .stl format. 

  • We cannot print objects that are larger than our print bed (152 mm x 152 mm x 158 mm) or where the file contains non-manifold geometry). 

  • Prints are $0.10/gram, including supports and rafts/print bed adhesion, to be paid to the library where the item is picked up. 

  • You will get an email notification that your print is ready for pickup. After that, you will have 3 weeks to get to the library to pick up your object before it becomes the property of that library. 

  • We will not print weapons or objects that are illegal to produce. 

  • It is your responsibility to ensure that the copyright holder to the file you submit has authorized you to use it. 

 

Technical Details 

  • NLLS uses a standard 1.75mm PLA filament  

  • NLLS uses Cura slicing software and its auto-recommended settings for supports and build plate adhesion, layer height, and infill  

 

 Northern Lights Library System 3D Printing Terms of Service 

  1. To request a 3D print job, patrons must have a membership with a Northern Lights member library. Patrons can choose to pick up a 3D print at any participating location. 

  1. NLLS may reject a 3D print submission for any reason. If a print is rejected, NLLS will provide a notification by email citing the reason for the rejection. Reasons may include but are not limited to: 

  1. The object is unsuitable for our equipment (wrong file type, too large for print bed, non-manifold geometry) 

  1. The object is a weapon or part of a weapon. Recognizable cosplay props will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 

  1. The object is illegal under federal or provincial law. 

  1. The 3D print order volume is too large to be considered a fair and equitable use of NLLS’ 3D printer time. In this case, the rejection notification will include options for a reduced order volume. 

  1. Northern Lights Library System (NLLS) charges a cost-recovery fee of $0.10/gram, including supports and rafts/print bed adhesion. NLLS uses Cura slicing software to determine the supports, weight and cost of 3D printed objects.  

  1. Printing costs must be paid to the pickup library at the time of pickup. 

  1. Some libraries may be cash-only or have a minimum purchase necessary to use a debit or credit machine; payment method is at the pickup library’s discretion. 

  1. NLLS does not guarantee that every file submitted will be printed successfully. 

  1. NLLS will not alter .stl files to ensure success before printing. 

  1. Print jobs that fail due to printer error will be reprinted once by NLLS at no additional cost. 

  1. Print jobs that fail more than once will not be reattempted. 

  1. Patrons submitting a 3D print file have the responsibility to ensure that they are authorized to print it by the file’s copyright holder, such as with a Creative Commons license. 

  1. NLLS will send one pickup notification per form submission. Any further pickup notifications will be sent from the pickup library, at their discretion. 

  1. Printed objects will be held for a guaranteed 3 weeks’ grace period awaiting pickup. Any further amount of time is at the discretion of the pickup library. Once this grace period has elapsed, the 3D printed object becomes the property of the pickup library, to be used or disposed of at their discretion.  


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Answered By: Jessie Morris
Last Updated: Mar 12, 2025
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