StoryLab 3D Printing
Using the StoryLab
Contact Us
604.984.0286 ext. 8139
StoryLab Hours
Hours are subject to staff availability.
Monday
10:30am-5:30pm
Tuesday - Thursday
10:30am-7:30pm
Friday - Sunday
10:30am-5:30pm
Explore the world of 3D printing at StoryLab with our 3D printing service!
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned maker, our 3D printers empower you to turn imagination into reality.
You design and edit…we’ll print!
Items you can print:
• Replacement parts for household items and board games
• Accessibility tools like cutlery holders, blister pack poppers, stim toys, and other adaptive aides
• Toys, gifts, and 3D artwork
• Custom prototypes for engineering and design
• Cutouts and moulds
• And so much more!
How it works:
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Design your own 3D model at home or find a print-ready file online.
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Once you’ve reviewed the terms of service guidelines, complete the 3D printing request form and send us your file to get a quote for your print job. We’ll need your approval via email before we start your print.
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You will receive an email when your print is ready for pick up at Lynn Valley Library.
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Pay at the Circulation Desk on the 1st floor and bring your receipt to StoryLab to pick up your item.
Cost & Specifications:
3D printed items cost $1 for the first 10 grams of filament, then 10 cents for each subsequent gram (including supports). We can print single-colour items up to 7 hours of printing (size limit may apply).
Getting Started
You design and edit…we’ll print! While StoryLab staff are unable to help locate files or edit designs for you, we are happy to connect you to resources.
If you’re curious about 3D printing and not sure where to start, you can learn more about 3D printing through LinkedIn Learning: Learning 3D Printing with Kacie Hultgren.
StoryLab also has Creation Stations equipped with FreeCAD for you to create and edit 3D models. To learn more about Creation Stations or to request a booking, visit our Creation Station page.
Not ready to create your own models, but interested in having something printed? We recommend sites like Thingiverse, Printables, and ScanTheWorld if you’re looking for print-ready items.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to storylab@nvdpl.ca for more info.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3D printing is a process where a digital model is used to create a three-dimensional object by layering material, often plastic or metal, to build up the final product.
There’s so much you can explore with 3D modelling! We recommend sites like Thingiverse, Printables, and ScanTheWorld if you’re looking for print-ready items.
We offer single-colour 3D models up to 150mm by 150mm by 170mm and up to 7 hours of printing per model. Models must be in .stl file format.
Files must not be copyright-restricted; violate any Provincial or Federal laws, be unsafe, harmful, pose a threat to others; or violate Intellectual Property rights.
All print jobs are subject to staff approval and we reserve the right to decline any print job.
Anyone with an NVDPL card in good standing can submit a request for 3D printing. Need a card? Learn more about who can get one here.
3D printing is service is a “you design, we print” model. Staff are unable to help locate files or edit designs, but we are happy to connect you to some suggested resources to help you learn at your own pace.
The online form to submit a print request can be found here. Please read through the terms and conditions to ensure that your print is compliant with all guidelines and requirements.
We process requests on a first-come, first-served basis. As the printing time for each item varies, we are unable to guarantee a delivery date.
Due to demand we can only accommodate one request per person at one time. Once your item is paid for and picked up, you can fill out a new request to be added to the queue.
We currently use LulzBot Mini2 and Taz6 printers.
Filament colours are specified on the online form. We recommend using acrylic or enamel paints if you’d like a specific colour.
We do not recommend or advise you to print any objects that will come in contact with food or drinks. We cannot guarantee that the additive dyes in the filament are non-toxic and that printer will not be in contact with harmful contaminates.You will need to learn how to use 3D modelling software to make changes to your .stl files.
You can find links to different software and tutorials under in the FAQ titled "How do I make my own designs for 3D printing?”. You can also book at time at one of our Creation Stations in StoryLab, which have FreeCAD installed.
There are a variety of programs for Windows and MacOS that you can use to make your own designs, including:
Computer-Aided Design software for technical modelling:-
Free and open-source advanced CAD with a strong community and powerful tools.
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Free and simple CAD for all ages (registration required).
SketchUp
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Free conceptual design software for intuitive modelling (registration required)
Digital Content Creation software for artistic modelling:
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Free and open-source 3D package with advanced modelling and character tools.
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Free and simple online sculpting tool.
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