The Grande Prairie Public Library has introduced a new 3D printing service.  

Both an Ultimaker S5 and a Flashforge Creator 3 have been purchased and will be made available to members of the community who would like to submit a 3D file for printing.  

“We’re really excited to be able to offer 3D printing at GPPL,” says Charlotte Anderson, Emerging Technologies Librarian. “There are so many possibilities, from technical components to toys. We’re looking forward to seeing what the community comes up with.”  

3D printers work by melting down a filament, the most common being PLA, to create a shape based on a 3D model. Costs will be calculated by the weight of the print and the materials used. The PLA filament is $0.15 per gram. 

“Once we receive a print file at 3d@gppl.ca, the amount of material needed will be calculated,” says Anderson. “When the prints have been paid for, they will be placed in our queue. We anticipate 3 to 4 weeks for the print job to be completed.”  

Files are printed in a grey PLA filament and can then be painted with acrylic paint.  

Community members can locate completed 3D printing files online or create their own. Resources can be found on the Library website. 

“When we re-open, our Creative Computers will be available for people looking to create their own 3D modelling,” says Anderson.  

The 3D printers and Creative Computers were purchased with funds from the Janssen Legacy Fund. In 2016, local resident Willie Janssen made a substantial bequest to the Library with the request that the funds be used to fund technology for children and teens.  

“Thanks to Mr. Janssen, this technology will be available to users of all ages,” says Anderson.  

For more information about GPPL’s 3D printers, visit gppl.ca/3D. 

Information provided by the Grande Prairie Public Library.