3D Printers in Libraries

We have been blessed with multiple 3d printers by donations in addition to our original purchases. But we now have 7 printers and all of these are 5 different model/brands. Yikes!

I am hoping to find a simple networked interface for users that, to them, seems device independent. IOW at their desktop, on our local lan they could choose any one of the 7 printers, and not need to walk over a memory card to the printer but print from at their PC. This would also free us up from having a separate laptop for each printer (e.g. running CURA for printing). So I have been considering OctoPrint, AstroPrint, PolarCloud, and now Repetier Server. All of these can use Raspberry Pi's as controllers. Our constraints are (1) to keep costs low, and (2) I am not a programmer, so minimal low level IP/Linux manipulation is a big plus.

Anyone out there trying to manage more than 3 printers in a public setting? What solution works best for you?

Hi,
We are looking to upgrade our little makergear m3 with a filament splicer (pallette pro2) or something else - what do you use to get full color prints with only one print head?

I'd thought I'd just share that we use Springshare's LibWizard to make patrons aware of our policies on 3D printing, get the information we need from them, and to submit their STL. We print in submission order, so this effectively becomes our print queue as well. Here's what we say and ask for:

Please review our Acceptable 3D Printing Guidelines before submitting a print job.

1. You cannot use the 3D printers to create materials that are:

(a) prohibited by municipal, provincial, federal, or international law;
(b) unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or capable of posing an immediate threat to the well-being of others;
(c) obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment;
(d) which may violate another's intellectual property rights (for example, the printers and scanners cannot be used to reproduce materials that are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection).

1. The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.

2. The printer queue is a first-come, first-served system.

3. Printers are operated by library staff only.

4. Printing costs are $0.10 per gram of material used. The cost of the print will be charged to your library account. Unsuccessful prints will still incur filament charges. Refunds are not available.

5. The Library is not responsible for the functionality or quality of content produced on the 3D printer.

6. Items printed from Library 3D printers that are not picked up within 14 calendar days will become the property of the library and may be disposed of.

First Name: (required)

Last Name: (required)

Library Card Number (required)

Email (required)

PLA Colour

Special Instructions

Please indicate any specific resolution, speed, material colour, or support requirements.
By default staff will print using the settings they believe will create the quickest, most reliable print.