3D Printing
Good news! The 3D printing service is operational again. You can now send us your projects to print. |
Introduction

In the Fall of 2014, the Library launched a service of additive manufacturing (3D printing) using a MakerBot Replicator device. Since 2022, the Library also uses an Ultimaker S3 device. The Library offers this service in support of PolyFab, the Fab Lab of Polytechnique Montréal.
Please note that the 3D printing service can be subject to changes without any prior notice.
What is additive manufacturing?
From a three-dimensional model, pieces are gradually formed by stacking successive micro layers of material (ex. plastic or wax heated to a high temperature) using a high-precision nozzle controlled by computer. This process is similar to the operation of ink jet printers, hence the name of three-dimensional printing.
Why a 3D printer in the Library?
Along with many other academic libraries in the world, our library believes in the educational and social potential of this technology. Libraries offer physical spaces where people can get together to learn and share their knowledge. Since 3D printing makes it easy to produce a physical object from an abstract or computer model, the Library wants to make this technology available to the greatest number of users. This service should help to form a community of people working together to create and build, to act as an engine for innovation and discovery, and to support individual projects of the Polytechnique Montréal’s community members.
Printing Policy, Terms and Cost
Printing Policy
- Reserved for students, professors and staff members of Polytechnique Montréal (on a first come, first served basis).
- Copyrights and trademarks must be strictly respected. You must be the creator of the object to be reproduced or have written permission from the copyright holder.
- No keys, weapons, parts of weapons or other questionable or illegal objects will be reproduced. The Library reserves the right to refuse to print any object, including items that violate applicable laws and regulations or that might threaten the safety of other users.
- The handling of the printer remains at all times under the control of authorized staff.
- Users must provide any information requested by an authorized employee.
- The user must inform the Library of the confidential nature of his or her designs and plans, if there are any.
- Some models require support structures for printing. The user is responsible for the removal of these structures, as well as their assembly and cleaning, if necessary.
- The Library is not responsible for the security of the user’s data and loss or damage to the files.
- Please note that this service can be modified without any prior notice.
Terms
- Users who wish to obtain a print must first register on Polysafe and join the Bibliothèque Louise-Lalonde-Lamarre group. Please use your Polytechnique Montréal email (@polymtl.ca).
- Fill out a 3D printing request.
- Library staff will contact the user within 1-2 working days to obtain and to confirm the necessary details about the printing project or request changes. The weight and costs will be communicated prior to printing.
- As the printing service is not in operation every day of the week, please allow at least one to two weeks for receipt of your item. We will notify you if the processing time for your request is longer.
- Payment is made online by credit card upon receipt of the invoice on Polysafe. It is also possible to pay in person at the Circulation Desk (cash and cards).
- Printing will be scheduled once payment is received. Requests are generally processed in the order received.
- When the printing is complete, library staff will inform the user that the object can be claimed at the Circulation Desk.
- Objects must be collected within 30 days of receipt of this notice.
Cost
The cost of 3D printing of an object is set at:
- $ 0.50 per gram plus a base fee of $ 3.00
Weight and costs will be communicated to you in advance. Payment is due upon receipt of invoice before printing begins.
No refunds will be made unless we are unable to print your item.
3D Printing Request Form
You must register on PolySafe first.
Technical Specifications
The Library owns two types of printers. The MakerBot Replicator+ printer uses a PLA (polylactic acid) plastic filament to produce prints. This type of plastic is biodegradable and non-toxic. It is also suitable for objects which can come into contact with food. The Ultimaker S3 printer uses both PLA and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) plastic filament, the latter used for printing of support material. PVA will dissolve completely after being immersed in water for about 24 hours, which allows for printing of fine details and easy to remove support. We will choose the printer to use based on project complexity and printer availability.
Ultimaker S3:
- Maximum printing size: 20 cm (7,9 ") width ✕ 19,2 cm (7,4 ") depth ✕ 23 cm (9 ") height
- Printing quality: low (0.3 mm per layer – quick printing of thick layers), standard (0.2 mm per layer – quick printing with a good quality surface), high (0.1 mm per layer – slow printing of thin layers)
- Available colours: black, white, blue, red, orange and translucent (only 1 colour per object to print)
- Technical specifications of the Ultimaker S3 Printer (PDF)
MakerBot Replicator+:
- Maximum printing size: 25.2 cm (9.9 ") width ✕ 19.5 cm (7.7 ") depth ✕ 15 cm (5.9 ") height
- Printing quality: low (0.3 mm per layer – quick printing of thick layers), standard (0.2 mm per layer – quick printing with a good quality surface), high (0.1 mm per layer – slow printing of thin layers)
- Available colours: black, white, blue, red, green*, orange* and translucent* (only 1 colour per object to print)
*These colours are available in limited quantities. If your colour choice is not available at the time of printing, you will be invited to choose another colour. - Technical specifications of the MakerBot Replicator+ Printer (PDF)
Resources
Consult the guide on 3D Printing created by Polytechnique Montréal Library.
Estimate the cost of your project:
Use the printing software for our printers. Import your STL file in the software, check its integrity and estimate the cost of a print from the projected weight in grams.
- Ultimaker Cura – available for Windows, MacOS X, and Linux
- MakerBot Print – available for Windows and MacOS X
A few software suggestions:
- Autodesk Fusion 360 – free education license for students and teachers (available for Windows and MacOS X)
- OpenSCAD – open source parametric 3D modeler (available for Windows, MacOS X and Linux)
- Tinkercad – 3D modeling freeware (available online for Firefox and Chrome)
- Wings 3D – open source 3D modeler (available for Windows, MacOS X and Linux)
Contact Us
For information:
biblio-si@polymtl.ca