the lab
If you can imagine it, you can make it at the library. The tools available in the lab allow community members to design and prototype their own projects in a supportive environment.
Open Hours
The lab is currently open for independent projects on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am – 8:45 pm. All devices with a green label are open for personal use. Devices with a yellow label need staff support before you begin using. Devices with a red label are staff-only use. All computers in the space include Adobe Creative Suite. Support is available at the Tech Help Desk during open hours. Additional open hours and classes coming soon!
3D Printing
The library hosts two Prusa Mini 3D printers in the lab that print items using PLA plastic for the public. Printing costs $0.10 per gram plus $1.00 for every hour of printing. Most objects can be printed in 4 hours and cost less than $10. There is a minimum charge of $1.00
To request a 3D print:
Email print@plymouthlibrary.org with a subject line of “3D Print”.
In the email please attach your STL file or a link to the online version of the file.
Indicate the color of plastic for the object. Choices are black, white, red, blue, yellow, and green plastic.
Please include any other relevant information pertaining to the print (i.e., number of copies or size requirements).
A staff member will review your file and email you within 3 days of your initial request to let you know the costs. Once you approve the costs staff will place your file in our 3D printing queue. We may have other jobs already in the print queue so please be patient.
Please note that the max size we can print is 7 inches x 7 inches x 7 inches. At this time we are not accepting jobs that exceed 10 hours.
Large Format Printing
The lab includes a large format printer that can be used to print posters, banners, and blueprints. Poster printing costs $0.20 (black & white) and $0.40 (color) per inch of the 36″ wide roll that is used (see picture to the right for clarification). Large format designs can be printed in various formats, but it is recommended that you save your document as a PDF to guarantee the best experience. Please use a minimum of 150 pixels per inch to avoid a pixelated appearance.
To request a large format print job:
Email print@plymouthlibrary.org with a subject line of “Large Format”.
In the email please attach a PDF version of your document.
Indicate the final print size you would like the document to be. Please note that one side of the document must be smaller than 36″ for us to print it.
Include any other relevant information (i.e., number of copies).
A staff member will review your file and email you within 3 days of your initial request to let you know the costs. Once you approve the costs staff will place your file in our large format printing queue. We may have other jobs already in the print queue so please be patient.
Cricut Cutter
The lab recently added a Cricut Explore Air cutting machine and heating press. A cutting machine can precisely cut intricate designs from materials like paper, vinyl, cardstock, and iron-on transfers. The heating press allows you to attach iron-on transfers to a variety of fabrics. It has a multitude of possible uses for personalized crafting and prototyping.
The library will provide a cutting blade, 12×12 inch mat, and a 12×24 inch mat for use with the Cricut. We encourage you to bring your own cutting media. The library has a limited supply of vinyl and iron-on media. The costs are listed below:
12×12 inch vinyl – $1.10
12×24 inch vinyl – $2.20
12×12 inch iron-on transfer – $1.20
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