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makerspace@paterson

3d printing

what is 3d printing?

3d printing is the process of creating a physical 3-dimensional object from a digital model. it is also called additive manufacturing or fused deposition modelling because it creates objects by laying down many successive thin layers of a material. our 3d printers use plastic filaments which are fed into the printer by a feeder. the filament is melted in the print head(s) which extrudes the material onto the build plate, creating your object layer by layer. when the filament cools, you have a solid object.

our ultimaker printers are dual extrusion printers allowing for two-colour prints or jobs requiring both a coloured filament and a support material.

learn more about 3d printing

what can be printed?

the 3d printers are available for academic or curricular purposes.

academic and curricular purposes would include:

  • a course assignment
  • a particular project or research interest in your field
  • a prototype of a theoretical design
  • creation of an item for instructional purposes

acceptable print jobs are those that can be printed within 8 hours. print jobs that take longer may be approved after consultation with makerspace staff.

creativity is encouraged in the makerspace, however we do not allow the production of weapons, objects with sexual nature or anything that conflicts with 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 's student code of conduct and the policy on intellectual property.

 

what size objects can be printed?

our printers can print objects up to 13"w x 9.5"d x 12"h in size.

what type of filament is available?
  • pla (polylactic acid) filament in a variety of colours. pla filament is safe, odorless and one of the more eco-friendly 3d printer materials available.
  • polycarbonate, a strong filament that can withstand high temperatures and is suitable for functional prototypes.
  • nylon, which is able to withstand significant mechanical stress. 
  • wood infused filament, composed of a modified polylactic acid (pla) charged with real wood dust.
  • support filaments - dissolvable pva and ultimaker breakaway.
  • we are also trying out wound-up coffee filament, hd glass and tpu 95a flexible filaments. 
what is the cost for 3d printing?

the cost for 3d printing is determined by the amount of filament used for the print and the type of filament.

note: 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 will not be charged for the amount of filament used. 

 

for regular (pla) filament:

total number of grams of filament used x $.10 = cost of print job

for special (polycarbonate, nylon, tpu) filaments and support (pva and breakaway) filaments:

total number of grams of filament used x $.25 = cost of print job

if the print job uses two types of filament, the cost of the print will include the amount of each filament used multiplied by the appropriate cost for each filament type. 

makerspace staff will calculate the cost of the print job and issue a makerspace printing slip to be taken to the library services desk for payment. payment for print jobs can be made with cash, or by debit/credit card.

we are not responsible for failed print jobs that are the result of design flaws and/or improper use of the 3d printers. 

 

steps to 3d printing
  • sign up for a 3d printing orientation session.
  • find a 3d design or create your own (.stl or .obj file format). see our list of suggested 3d design sites under resources.
  • book a time to come and discuss your project and get help with final configuration. email: makerspace.lib@lakeheadu.ca
  • follow the preprint checklist below to ensure you have covered all the steps before sending your job to the printer.