3D Printing

Overview

The Maker Zone in the IT Support Center is the home of three 3D printers that employ additive manufacturing technology. The Dremel Idea Builder, our first 3D printer uses a single extruder for clean, precise prints. Our second printer, the FlashForge Creator Pro is a dual-extruder model that can produce a two-colored object. Our newest and most advanced printer is the UltiMaker 3. This dual extrusion machine delivers high resolution prints and can also use a water-soluble filament for easy removal of supports. All our 3D printers use PLA plastic filament (a strong, plant-based, biodegradable product). A large number of colors are available for your use.

Cost and Policies

Anything you design will be printed free of charge. Items designed by someone else that you simply download cost $2.00 per run. Restrictions do apply. For full printing policies and restrictions, click here.

Getting Started

1. Design your object using a 3D application (​​​see free resources below). We recommend using Tinkercad.
2. Save or export your design as an STL file.
3. Submit your print request using this form.
4. Pick up your item in AL 207 after you have received an email that your 3D print is ​finished.

Free Resources

Blender

Blender is a free, open source application that is a powerful tool for 3D creation. It’s made for true 3D design enthusiasts and is available for all major operating systems. Visit the Blender tutorials page to learn Blender fundamentals. You can also find tutorials on other websites including Sculpteo.

NASA: 3D Resources

NASA provides a one-stop shop for 3D models, images, textures, and visualizations related to space science and exploration. These assets are offered for free and without copyright.

NIH 3D Print Exchange

​NIH print Exchange provides scientifically accurate and medically applicable 3D models for downloading and sharing. If you are interested in biomedical science, download and print these 3D models! ​

Thingiverse.com

Thingiverse is a free resource for downloadable items for the 3D printer. You can remix designs or search for a specific object to add to your own creation.

Tinkercad.com

Made for everyone, Tinkercad is a set of online tools that lets you easily design 3D objects. Simply sign up for a free account, and you’re ready to start creating. The website has excellent tutorials to get you started; just click the Learn tab in Tinkercad. When you’re done, click “Export” and in the “Download” tab, choose .STL. (You can also click a saved item in “My Recent Designs” and select “Download.”)    

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