FRANKSTON City Libraries has launched a 3D printing service at its Frankston branch, giving members the chance to design and print everything from replacement household parts to children’s toys.
The Bambu Lab H2S printer sits near the front entrance of Frankston Library, in the same room as the autosorter, where visitors can watch it run as they walk in.
Coordinator Engagement and Innovation, Chrissie Bonsor, said the service was introduced after a survey of library members identified strong demand for 3D printing.
“It’s becoming more common in public libraries to offer digital technologies to the public and we are happy to see the expectation rising amongst our community,” Bonsor said.
She said library staff had spent a couple of months testing the printer before the service was opened to the public.
“Our tech team have been playing with the 3D printer for a couple of months now to test all kinds of models,” she said.
“We have champions amongst the staff who can assist the public and we will gradually train up more staff on printing models.”
To use the service, members upload a file in STL or 3MF format, up to 30MB, through the library’s website. Staff then confirm the details and quote a fee, which Bonsor said typically came in under $10 for a small household repair part.
For those without design experience, Bonsor said the website makerworld.com offered thousands of open-source designs to choose from, with no design knowledge required.
Items printed so far include laptop stands, Star Wars figurines, bookmarks, hair clips, pen holders, stacking toys, fidget toys, replacement Monopoly pieces, watch charging stands, a cup holder for a pram and a replacement button for a Dyson appliance.
Bonsor said sustainability was central to the service.
“We have a strong sustainability focus – buying resources to be shared amongst community members has always been a strength of public libraries,” she said.
“Some people might just need to use a 3D printer for a couple of jobs and don’t want to spend the money on their own machine, or they might need a part printed to keep a tool running longer.”
Some requests will not be approved, including firearms or anything of an adult nature.
Bonsor encouraged hesitant members to put their ideas forward regardless of their experience level.
“If you’re feeling unsure or wondering whether your idea is worth printing, please don’t hesitate to submit it,” she said.
“This is a learning space, not a judgement space. There’s no expectation to already know how 3D printing works – that’s what the service is here for. If you’re curious, creative, or just want to try something new, your idea is absolutely worth submitting.”
Submissions can be made via the Frankston City Libraries website.
First published in the Frankston Times – 12 May 2026