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dascase t1_ja4tbao wrote

DC Library FabLab has or had 3d printers, but I haven't heard anything if their open or not but they used to be an option.

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rlezar t1_ja4ubaj wrote

They're open, but you have to do a 1.5-hour intro class first, and there aren't any on the schedule. You are then limited to two four-hour blocks per month, although the FabLab website does not seem to offer any option to actually schedule those.

Arlington Public Library will print it for you for the cost of the filament (PLA @ 5¢/gram) but your job goes in a queue with all the other requests they have pending.

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dascase t1_ja4wh53 wrote

You are much more informed than I, thanks for adding much needed info.

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Kitchen_Software t1_ja8shgi wrote

One thing to note: you must be present (in the same room as the printer) for the duration of the print.

I mention this because it was quite a limiting factor since prints can take awhile and logistics around appointments are challenging (e.g., Saturdays fill up quickly, so you're left with T/Th during typical work hours). There isn't a very good way to take calls or meetings, which I learned the hard way.

To schedule an appointment, they create a unique link for you once you've completed the training.

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rlezar t1_jaa5tf2 wrote

Thanks for the tip about the unique link. I guess I will have to check back with them to find out why I never got mine...

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veloharris t1_ja6asvc wrote

You have to take a training for the lab at large before you get access to the specific intro classes.

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rlezar t1_ja6s2g6 wrote

That was not my recent experience. I only did the intro to using the 3-D printers without any sort of broader lab overview whatsoever.

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Playful-Translator49 t1_ja558re wrote

I recently took the class at the lab it took about 20 min they just give you a tour. 2 people showed up for it. I think if you show up when it’s happening you can most likely take it since people no show all the time.

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Dare2no t1_ja7db5z wrote

Fairfax/loudon county libraries allow you to use them for cheap. I use the one in Sterling library they have 4 printers they are great.

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