Moon Library has two 3D printers: Mary Shelley (LulzBot TAZ 6) and Octavia (Original Prusa i3 MK3S). Both printers are operated by staff only. However, patrons can order items to be 3D printed on request.
What is 3D printing?
- 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process. Filament, which is usually made out of plastic, is super-heated until it forms a liquid. The printer then stacks the layers of the filament on top of each other until it forms an object.
How do I get 3D prints at Moon?
- Buy a pre-printed item. There are a few jars filled with 3D printed toys and accessories for you to purchase as you check out your books.
- Complete an print-on-demand form. We have order forms at the front desk, online, and to download. After you submit your form, a staff member will contact you about pricing, projected completion date, and, if applicable, a selection of designs to choose from.
- Participate in programs. Look on the website or our event calendar for programs wherein 3D prints are given out as prizes.
If I want to order a 3D print, how do I pick a design?
- Complete a print-on-demand form and describe the item in the “What do you want to print?” section.
- Locate your own design online. We recommend Printables, Thingiverse, Pinshape, and MyMiniFactory for finding prints.
- Design your own print in a CAD (computer assisted design) program like Tinkercad or Blender.
- If we are unable to find a suitable design and you still want something 3D printed, staff can design a print for you. Commission costs $5 per hour.
What are the rules?
- Prints cost $2-3 per hour, rounded up to the nearest half hour, plus tax. If the filament color you want is out of stock, you will be charged a $5-8 restock fee.
- You are billed when you receive the item at the library.
- Prints are typically done in 3-5 business days, but may take longer due to complexity, size, or quality.
- Due to copyright restrictions, all 3D prints must have Creative Commons – Commercial OK licenses or designed by MTPL staff or by patrons.
- MTPL has the right to refuse prints for any reason. We will not print any sexually explicit material, counterfeit items, or any weapons, functional or non-functional. In other words, if TSA won’t let your toy weapon on the plane, we cannot print it.
- If you change your mind about an order, you must contact us immediately. If we have already printed the item, you will be charged full price.
- If a print consists of separate parts, you must specify if you want to receive it pre-assembled. Otherwise, its assembly or lack thereof is up to the discretion of library staff.
- We generate print supports as necessary. Not all supporting materials may be removed when you receive your print.
- You must pick up your print within 5 business days. After that time has elapsed, your account will be charged for the print and may be sent to collections.
- All prints are sold as-is and are non-refundable.
What are your 3D printers’ specifications?
- Mary Shelley is a LulzBot Taz 6 with a single 2.85 mm filament compatible extruder. Octavia is an Original Prusa i3 MK3S with a single 1.75 mm filament compatible extruder. Both printers were lovingly restored by 3D Printing Pittsburgh.
- Mary Shelley uses the Cura LulzBot Edition slicing program. Octavia uses PrusaSlicer.
- We cannot print a design with more than one color at a time. Designs with individual parts may be printed in multiple colors.
- All prints are with PLA filament. PLA is a biodegradable plant-based plastic.
- We are able to use the following design file formats: .gcode, .jpg, .x3d, .gif, .3mf, .png, .obj, .g, .bmp, .stl, or .jpeg. Our preferred file types are .3mf, .gcode, and .stl.
Contact Ms. Roxanne, the Technical Services Librarian, if you have any questions.
Last updated: 8/11/25
