Digital Lab / 3D Printing Guidelines
The Digital Lab is a staff assisted facility. Users must prepare files for desired output and are responsible for all printing. Please ensure sufficient funds are available and that an appropriate amount of time has been scheduled for the best possible results. The following is intended as a guide for best output.
The Digital Lab’s 3D printer is available to current University faculty, staff and students to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using an appropriate file type.
The lab’s 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes. It is not permitted to create material which is:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or considered by library staff to pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
- Considered by library staff to be obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.
- In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
Recommended Software
The lab provides users with access to Blender and tutorials regarding Tinkercad.
File Formats
Recommended file formats for 3D printing:
.stl, .makerbot
Cost
There is a charge for all printing. All objects are charged $0.25 per gram based upon the estimated filament usage during the file preparation.
| Approximate Size | Estimated Costs |
| Small (< 10g) | $2.50 |
| Medium (10 -20g) | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Large (20 – 30g) | $5.00 – $7.50 |
Scheduling
The Digital Lab maintains the hours listed here.
All printing occurs during these hours. Prints will be scheduled according to the estimated time provided during the file preparation process.
| Approximate Size | Estimated Production Time |
| Small (< 10g) | < 1 hour |
| Medium (10 -20g) | 1 – 2 hours |
| Large (20 – 30g) | 2 hours + |
MakerBot Mini Specifications:
| Specifications | |
| Print Technology | Fused deposition modeling |
| Build Volume | 10.0 L x 10.0 W x12.5 H cm3.9 L x 3.9 W x 4.9 H in |
| Maximum Layer Height | 200 Microns |
| Filament Material | Polylactic acid (PLA) |
| Filament Colors | True Red, True Orange, True Yellow, True Blue, True Purple, True White, Warm Gray, Cool Gray, True Black |
| Build Platform | Acrylic |