3D Printing
Finding/Creating a Model
Technology Commons staff can assist in finding a 3D model or suggest useful tools any time the Technology Commons is open. Check out our hours see more about available tools on our resources page, or contact us to setup a training session.
Submission
Patrons can visit the Technology Commons desk OR submit their print job via our online self-service form.
Print Turnaround
3D printing is a first come, first serve service. Technology Commons’ staff can provide rough estimates on turnaround and wait times.
Pickup & Cost
Technology Commons staff contact patrons when prints are ready for pickup. Prints are to be paid for at the desk via CatCash at the time of pick up. Prints are weighed and priced at $.12 per gram for plastic and $.25 per gram for resin.
Mistakes
We understand that 3D prints fail due to hardware malfunctions or design flaws. We reserve the right to waive charges on a case by case basis.
Restrictions
We reserve the right to not print items that we deem inappropriate such as, guns, etc.
Files that work well with 3D Printing
.stl (best)
.gcode
.amf
.obj
.dae
.amg
.gcode
.amf
.obj
.dae
.amg
Filament Available at 3DU
We only support regularly support PLA filament and resin. Learn more about filament here.
Where to find 3D print ideas and projects
MakerBot’s Thingiverse is a thriving design community for discovering, making, and sharing 3D printable things. In the spirit of maintaining an open platform, all designs are encouraged to be licensed under a Creative Commons license, meaning that anyone can use or alter any design.
Instructables was officially spun out of Squid Labs in the summer of 2006, and has gone on to grow from a modest hundreds of projects to over one hundred thousand.
How to use 3D modeling software
Tinkercad is a simple, online 3D design and 3d printing tool for the masses. Whether you’re a designer, hobbyist, teacher, or kid, you can use Tinkercad
SketchUp is like a pencil with superpowers. Start by drawing lines and shapes. Push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms. Stretch, copy, rotate and paint to make anything you like. More advanced? Start modeling from CAD and terrain data, photographs or even hand sketches.
Autodesk Fusion 360 is a 3D Modeling and Design program that you can use to make invent advanced 3D models and have a variety of tools at your disposal to create an endless amount of potential designs.