Quick Links
| Submit 3D Print | Make an Appointment | Equipment List |
| Materials and Cost | Examples | MakerLab Policy |
| Software | Classes | MakerKits |
Reopening Plan
Updated September 16, 2021: The MakerLab space is currently open to Barrington Area Library cardholders, by appointment. To make an appointment, please e-mail digitalservices@balibrary.org. Digital Services staff will also make as many of the services available to customers virtually, including remotely running laser etching/cutting, CNC milling, and vinyl cutting projects.
Digital Services staff will determine if outside materials are acceptable for use in MakerLab based on material type and available space, time, and capacity. If any of these are limited, staff have the right to refuse outside materials, but we will make suggestions for a different choice of material, when appropriate. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please email the Digital Services department.
Laser cut projects
If you have a complete laser cut file (.ai, .svg are the two most common formats) please e-mail digitalserivces@balibrary.org and we can work together to complete your project.
3D printing
- Find a 3D print on Thingiverse or design your own print in a CAD program like Tinkercad
- Fill out our 3D print submission form
- Digital Services will put the job in a print queue
- After we complete your print, the Library will contact you via e-mail to let you know you may use Parking Lot Pick-Up to get your print
- When you arrive at the Library, please park in one of the designated Parking Lot Pick-Up spots and call the number on the sign
Note: Please use our online payment system or come into the Library and see Customer Service to process any MakerLab fees.
Our Space
Located on the first floor in the Business & Technology Center, the MakerLab gives Barrington Area Library cardholders access to a variety of cutting edge tools including 3D printers, a laser cutter, CNC machine, and vinyl cutter. The MakerLab also features MakerKits for a range of age levels and technical abilities. There is something for everyone, so stop in today and make something at your library!
• MakerLab is open to Barrington Area Library cardholders by reservation
• One group may use the MakerLab at a time. Groups should be 3 people or fewer
• Masks are required by all customers and staff over the age of two
• No food or beverage is allowed in the MakerLab
Equipment
3D Printer
Download a 3D File: Thingiverse (Instructions)
Design a 3D File: Tinkercad (Instructions)
Submit a 3D File: Fill Out This Form
Barrington Area Library cardholders may use the 3D printers at a cost of $.10 per gram of filament. The maximum file size of an object is 5.7" x 5.7" x 5.7" and the maximum print time must be less than 6 hours. After the print is complete, staff will notify you and ask you to please pick up the print within the next 7 days from the Customer Service desk, on the first floor. The Barrington Area Library will not print weapons or look alike weapons.
Accepted File Format: Stl, Obj, Scad
Carvey
Barrington Area Library cardholders may use the Carvey to etch and cut out wood during a one-on-one appointment or during Carvey programs. We have 1/8" 3.5" x 5.5" bamboo and baltic birch woods available to purchase. If you would like us to consider your new, custom material, please e-mail us at digitalservices@balibrary.org.
Design software: Design is done in a web-based software, Easel. Some .svg files can be imported into Easel.
Accepted File Formats: .svg, or Easel files.
Heat Press
Barrington Area Library cardholders may use the heat press machine to adhere heat transfer material to a variety of fabrics. The Library has heat transfer material available for purchase. You can use the machine by speaking to a staff member at the Business and Technology desk and following these instructions: Heat Press Machine Instructions or watch this video.
Laser Cutter
For safety, if any material is questionable or unknown to staff, we will not attempt to cut or etch it for any reason. If you have questions about materials, please contact digitalservices@balibrary.org.
The Epilog Mini is able to etch & cut wood up to 12" x 24" & will be used in library programs or by appointment.
To view upcoming programs, please visit our Events Calendar.
Design software: Inkscape, Adobe Illustrator, or other vector graphics programs.
Accepted File Formats: .svg is the most common format, but we can work with a variety of vector graphic files.
Silhouette Cameo Cutting Machine
The Cameo is a versatile cutting machine that uses software to cut intricate shapes, stencils, patterns, & designs on a variety of materials including adhesive vinyl & cardstock. Barrington Area Library cardholders may bring in & cut their own approved materials. If you have questions about materials, please contact digitalservices@balibrary.org.
Design software: Silhouette America
Accepted File Formats: STUDIO3, STUDIO, GSD, DXF, PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, TIFF
Examples
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| Make it! 3D Hand | Tinkercad for Beginners (VIDEO) |
Carvey Examples
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| Make it! HOME | Make it! Desk Organizer |
Laser Cutter Examples
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| Make it! Notebook |
Make it! |
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Silhouette Cameo Examples
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| Make it! Pop-up Card | Silhouette Studio Basics (VIDEO) |
Materials and Cost
To see samples of laser cut and etched woods, click: sample laser etched wood
3D Printing
PLA - $.10 per gram of filament
Button Maker
Button set - $.15 (includes shell, mylar, and pinback)
Carvey
7.75" x 11.75" x .75" Baltic Birch Plywood - $5.00
7.75" x 11.75" x .50" Birch Plywood - $4.00
Laser Cutter
Pub Glass - $1.00
Leather-like notebook - $5
Leather-like coasters - $1.50
Leather luggage tags - $2
Must purchase full sheet
8.5" x 11" Chipboard - $.10
6" x 12" Hard Maple - $4.00
6" x 12" Walnut - $5.00
6" x 12" Cherry: $6.00
7.75" x 11.75" Baltic Birch Plywood - $5.00
Must purchase half sheet or full sheet of 12" x 24" material
12 x 24" Baltic Birch Plywood - $3.00
8 x 24" Aspen - $7.00
12" x 24" Hard Maple - $19.00
12" x 24" Walnut - $21.00
12" x 24" Cherry - $21.00
12” x 24” leather-like sheet - $4
Silhouette
12" x 12" adhesive vinyl (sticker paper) - $1.00
12" x 12" transfer paper - $1.00
10" x 12" heat transfer vinyl - $1.50
12" x 12" cardstock - $.10
MakerKits
MakerKits are a great way to begin tinkering in the MakerLab & feature hardware to support a range of technical abilities. Kits can be checked out by Barrington Area Library cardholders for two hours, for use in the MakerLab. Please note that a parent or responsible caregiver (age 16 or older) must accompany and directly supervise children age 8 and younger.
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Make in MakerLab - LED Circuits Ages 10+ |
Make in MakerLab - Build GRIPP3R Ages 10+ |
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Make in MakerLab - WeDo Animals Ages 8+ |
Make in MakerLab - Waving flag Ages 8+ |
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Make in MakerLab - Game controller Ages 8+ |
Ages 8+ |
Software
MakerLab has laptop computers with the following software: