Specialty Printing

The Learning Lab at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library offers specialty printing services to the public for a fee. The lab’s specialty printers include several 3D printers and one large format printer. A current Hickory Public Library card is required for use of The Learning Lab.

Print requests can be submitted to The Learning Lab during Open Lab hours or through our online form submission under each printer description. If submitting in-person during Open Lab, files must be on a flash drive and patrons will be required to sign The Learning Lab User Agreement and fill out a request form at the time of drop-off. Print jobs will be ready within 3 business days from the time of the print request. Patrons will receive an email when their print is ready.

See below for important information about each printer:

3D Printers

The Learning Lab features one Fusion3 F410 printer and two Ender-3 S1 Pro printers. Please read the 3D Print Policy for information on what can be printed at the library.

3D Print Request

Important Information

•   A current Hickory Public Library card is required to use The Learning Lab and submit print requests.
•   We will not modify files; files are printed exactly as they are submitted to us.
•   All files are printed using Atomic PLA filament.  Four filament colors are available: grey, black, gold, and silky aqua.
•   All files are sliced by Learning Lab staff. Files printed on the Fusion3 are sliced using Fusion3’s software, REACTOR. Files printed on the Ender printers are sliced using Cura.
•   Objects are weighed at the end of the print to determine the exact cost. The cost per item is $.10 per gram and includes any supports.
•   Payment is due at the time of pickup; we only accept cash or check. See the Reference Desk on the second floor of Patrick Beaver Memorial Library to pick up your prints.

File Limitations

•   Acceptable file types: OBJ and STL.
•   The maximum print time for a single file is 10 hours.
•   Printing will only occur during Library operating hours.

Terminology

•   Supports: These are additional layers that support overhangs or slants on a model. They are removed after the print is complete. In general, overhangs more than 45 degrees need support (45-Degree Rule). Without it, larger angled prints are likely to become stringy and/or fail.
•   Infill: The infill density percentage refers to the amount of filament on the inside of your print. The library standard is 20%.
•   Bed Adhesion:

• Raft: Removable platform for increasing bed adhesion, used for small parts or tall slender objects.

• Brim: Thin removable layer on the outer edge of the print for bed adhesion, used for prints with sharp corners to ensure edges do not lift.

Canon Large Format Printer

The Learning Lab features one 36-inch Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 printer. The printer has a maximum print resolution of 2400x1200 dpi and uses Canon TA Series pigment ink.

Canon Large Format Print Request

Important Information

•   A current Hickory Public Library card is required to use The Learning Lab and submit print requests.
•   We will not modify files; files are printed exactly as they are submitted to us.
•   All material is rounded up to the next linear foot to determine cost. For example, a print that is 40 inches long will be rounded to 48 inches (4 feet). Pricing includes any white/blank/extra space.
• Payment is due at the time of pickup; we only accept cash or check. See the Reference Desk on the second floor of Patrick Beaver Memorial Library to pick up your prints.
•   Prints are not guaranteed to come out as intended and can be affected by any number of variables. The Library does not refund printing fees for completed items that do not come out as intended.
•   The Library reserves the right to refuse any print request.

Cost & Paper Types

The cost is $5.50 per print plus

•   Basic Paper: $.50 per linear foot (best for text files and patterns)
•   Premium Matte Paper: $1.00 per linear foot (similar to cardstock, and best for image-heavy files)
•   Matte Polypropylene Banner: $2.50 per linear foot (thin, tear-resistant material that can hold grommets, and best for image-heavy files)

File Limitations

•   Acceptable file types: PNG, TIF/TIFF, PDF
•   The maximum print size is 36 inches in width and 72 inches in height
•   Printing will only occur during Library operating hours