Maker Hub

Maker Hub by Appointment

Please book an appointment to access the Maker Hub to work on a project and use the equipment.

• Limit of 1 user, or 1 child accompanied by 1 parent or guardian, in the Maker Hub at a time.
• Limit of 1 hour per day
• Available: 3D printers, button makers
• Access to the 3D printers is only for previously certified makers
• You must wear a mask

Contactless Drop-in

Virtual Maker Hub

The following services are available virtually. Send us a request to make something for you, and we will make it. You can pick it up from the circulation desk during open hours.

3D Printing 

We can 3D-print small objects for you. For details visit our 3D Printing Submission Form.

Button Making

We can create pinback buttons for you. For details visit our Button Request Form.

 Maker Hub user guide

The library’s Maker Hub is an evolving resource. Please note our current practices:

• Equipment is available on a first-come first-serve basis
• Users must be library members, certified to use equipment (if applicable) and in grade 7 or older
• Users must follow safety procedures, report accidents and equipment problems
• Violation of intellectual property law is prohibited
• Creation of dangerous or offensive objects is prohibited
• Production for commercial purposes is prohibited
• Library staff may abort failed 3D prints
• An individual may use one 3D printer at a time

Note: There may be times throughout the year where the Maker Hub is closed due to maintenance or unexpected staff shortages. We advise you contact us before visiting to find out if the Maker Hub is open.

3D printers

Hardware

• UM2+ (Ultimaker 2+)
• UM3 (Ultimaker 3)
• UM2+C (Ultimaker 2+ Connect)

Please visit the Ultimaker website for the specifications information for each printer. These spec sheets will contain the build bolume, layer resolutions, and more.

• UM2+
• UM3 (specifications on page 11 of the manual)
• UM2+C

What material do we print with?

We use 2.85mm filament in our Ultimaker printers.

• PLA (polylactic acid) is biodegradeable material made from renewable resources, like corn starch.
• PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) dissolves in water and is used for supports when a design needs extra help to print successfully and would be more suitable than standard PLA supports.

What software and websites are used with the 3D printer?

• Ultimaker Cura is the software we use to slice a CAD file to prepare it for printing on our printers.
• A CAD (Computer-Assisted Design) software is used to make original 3D objects. Use CAD software (e.g.Sketchup, AutoDesk Fusion360, etc.) or a CAD website (e.g.TinkerCAD). Designs should be made using metric measurements and saved as an STL file.
• Visit popular websites like Thingiverse, Pinshape, MyMiniFactory, and others to find 3D designs that other people have created and shared. No design skills needed.

How to use the 3D printer

1. Quick prints - choose one of our pre-select and prepared designs that are ready to print on demand. Choose a colour and watch your print start! No prior knowledge of 3D printing necessary.
2. Print your own designs - get certified to use the 3D printer and then experience 3D printing

Quick prints

If you want to print something to take home the day of your visit, book time to visit the Maker Hub and ask us about our Quick Prints! These are pre-selected 3D designs that are ready to print on demand. See the samples as well as print times and costs, tell us what you want and we can print it for you. No certification needed!

Print your own designs

1. Make sure you are certified to use the printer. 

2. You will need a 3D design that was designed using metric (mm) measurements and saved as an STL file. You can make this using CAD (Computer-Assisted Design) software, or by finding a file online.

3. Slice the STL file using slicing software. Save it as a GCODE file and bring the STL and GCODE to the library. (You can also save it as a PROJECT file if you think you'll need to adjust the settings.
   TIP: the slicing software will display how much filament (metres) will be used. Use this number to calculate the cost.

4. Make an appointment to reserve time in the Maker Hub.

5. Prints must be paid for before the start of printing.

6. You must stay with your print for the first 20 minutes of actual printing, to make sure it starts successfully.

7. You can leave the library if you do not want to wait for the print to finish. Finished prints will be held at circulation for pickup. Come to the library during open hours and ask at the circulation desk to pick up your 3D print. NOTE: prints that have not been picked up in 3 months become property of the library.

How to get certified to use the 3D printer

3D printer certification classes are not available at this time.

How to ask us to print for you

We can prepare the STL file and print your object for you. Send us an STL file using the 3D print submission form. We will contact you with a quote. Please allow 2 weeks turnaround time for us to print your object.

There is a $10 charge for each STL file that library staff prints for you (this is in addition to the regular cost for each print).

Cost

You can calculate the cost of your print when you prepare your file using Cura or other slicing software. Cura will tell you how many metres your print will use. Multiply this number by the cost of material. e.g. if your print will use 0.67 metres of PLA filament, it will cost $1.07.

PLA is $1.60/meter

PVA is $3.60/meter

Button maker

Hardware

1.5" Pinback Button Maker

7/8" Mini-Pin Lock Pin Button Maker

What materials are used with the button maker?

Shell, Collet, Mylar, Lock Pins, Pin-Back, self adhesive peel and stick magnet

How to use the button maker

You will need to get a design to make your button. We have pre-made designs in the Maker Hub for drop-in visitors, or you can design your own original button or buttons.

You can make your own original design. The design should be 1.5" in diameter and should have a 0.25" margin around the edge (this is the part that is wrapped around the edge of the button). You can make your design on a piece of paper, use a template, or use an online website to design it. 

Cut out your design and bring it to the Maker Hub. Staff can help you make your button or buttons.

What online resources are useful when using the button maker?

The Button-Guy Online Button Designer is a great website that makes designing buttons easy. Choose the 1.5" size of button. You will need to make an account to use this site, but then your designs will be saved if you want to print them again.

Cost

One free button per visit. Each additional button is $0.25. Magnets cost $0.50 each.

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