Maker Hub

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

3D Printing:

• Library staff may abort failed 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

Quick prints - drop in and quickly print something

If you want to print something to take home the day of your visit, drop in during open hours 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!

Hardware

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

Please visit the Ultimaker website for the UM2+ printer specifications and UM3 printer specifications to see information on build volume, layer resolutions, and more.

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. 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 that someone else has designed and shared.

3. Use slicing software to prepare the STL file using the settings you want. Save it in Cura's file menu; this will save it as a project file that can be edited later. Then slice it and save it as a GCODE file as well. Bring both files to the library.
   TIP: Cura will tell you how much filament (metres) your print job will use. This number is used to calculate the cost of the print.

4. Come to the Maker Hub during open hours to use a printer. Printers are available on a first come, first serve basis and cannot be reserved. You can call before you come to see if a printer is free.

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 in the Maker Hub for pickup. Pick them up during open Maker Hub hours, or ask at the children's information desk for staff to get your print for you. 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 will teach you how to use the printers at the library (including our processes, how to be safe, and how to find things to print). To get certified, please come to a Make Your Own 3D Object class. Class dates are listed in the calendar.

How to ask us to prepare the file and 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.

Cricut machine

Hardware

Cricut Maker Machine

What software is used with the Cricut?

Cricut Design Space (free software download) 

Tools

Rotary blade, fine point blade, scoring stylus, weeder, tweezers, spatula, scraper and a variety of colored pens

It is useful for

Cutting, scoring, and drawing on a variety of materials. Create projects such as invitations, banners, decorations, monograms, stencils, etc. for home, business, school, or hobby.

How to use the Cricut

Get started by opening a free Cricut Design Space account to start creating your designs, or use the free templates provided. Drop by during Maker Hub hours to cut, draw and/or score your designs. You can also register for one of our Intro to Cricut and Design Space workshops via the online calendar.

Note: users must bring their own materials (cardstock, fabric etc.).

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