What is 3D Printing?
3D Printing creates objects by stacking layers of material on top of each other. Building materials are heated to make them plyable while they are being placed, and are solid when they cool down. There are many different uses for 3D Printing. Some people like to 3D print pieces for Halloween costumes, while others use 3D printing to build organs for hospital patients. Our Maker Space has multiple 3D printers to choose from, so that makers can print whatever they put their minds to!
Printing Terms
Supports: added 3D printed elements that provide extra stability for intricate designs and keep free hanging parts from collapsing. Supports are broken away from the design at the end of the print.
Brim: a flat base layer that goes around the perimeter of the print job and is removed at the end of the print. Adding a brim helps the print better adhere to the print bed.
Slicer: a software that changes 3D print instructions from computer language (.stl files) to 3D printer language (G-code).
How Does It Work?
Printing is $0.10 per gram of filament used, including supports.
Payment in full is due when you collect your finished print. Prints can be collected and paid for at the Circulation Desk. At this time, the library only accepts cash or checks for 3D prints.
If you are a Faculty or Staff member and are printing for official LSC projects, please contact your department chair to discuss funding before contacting the library.
3D Model File Sources
Free 3D files can be found on a variety of websites.
IMPORTANT: Please carefully review file information to insure the file is copyright and/or royalty free.
Disclaimer for 3D Printing
Use: The 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes. The library will not print material that is:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well‐being of others.
- Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the college environment.
- In violation of another's intellectual property rights. For example, the printer will not be used to reproduce material subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
The library reserves the right to:
- Refuse any 3D print request. Printing is entirely at the discretion of the library and the library reserves the ability to deny service for any reason.
- Use staff discretion to organize the print queue for overall efficient output.
- Photograph all 3D objects printed. Images may be used for reporting, assessment, and marketing.
- Gather feedback from users.
- Implement additional requirements not listed here.
What We've Made
Pink 3D Printed Dragon
Print in place, articulated crab
Dispicable Me "It's so fluffy" unicorn
