3D Printer
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Important Information
Required File Format:
.STL or .OBJ Maximum Object Size: 11.2 L x 6.1 W x 6 H in PLA filament colors currently available:
$0.10 per gram (Final Weight) |
3D Printing Rules
SOMS Library’s 3D printer is available to all SOMS students and staff to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that is uploaded from a digital computer file.
- SOMS Library’s 3D printer may be used only for lawful purposes. The students and staff will not be permitted to use
SOMS Library’s 3D printer to create material that is:- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
(Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer.) - Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the school 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.
- SOMS Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
- Cost: 3D printing pricing is based on the weight of the final object in grams: 10₵ per gram. This fee will used to buy more filament for the 3D printer.
- Items printed from the SOMS Library 3D printer that are not picked up within 14 days will become property of SOMS Library. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them.
- Only Mrs. Jansen and student library helpers will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.
Procedures
The procedure for printing from SOMS Library’s 3D printer is as follows:
- Design a 3D model or find one on a site like Thingiverse.
- Read the SOMS Library 3D Printing Rules above. Most prints will be finished in a few days, but there may be times that the printer is malfunctioning, being repaired, experiencing heavy use, or is being used for an event or a class.
- Make sure your file is in .STL or .OBJ format.
- Submitting the file:
STEP 1: Fill out and submit a 3D Printing Request Form. If you have any special instructions, please include them in the Additional Comments box on the form.
STEP 2: After you have submitted the form, please email the design you want to be printed to [email protected]. Only .STL or .OBJ files will be accepted.
If you want to print more than one object, make sure to submit a file and form for each one. - Library staff will email you with a confirmation of your submission and tell you when it will print and an estimated price, so you can see it printing and know how much it will cost.
- Once your model has been printed, you will receive another email letting you know the final cost of the object and how long you have to pick it up.
- Pick up and pay for your model at the SOMS Library Circulation Desk. You can not have the object until you have paid for it.
- Enjoy your 3D printed object and start designing something new!
Cost
SOMS Library charges for 3D-printing using a cost-recovery model based on the amount of material used. The final product will be weighed and the student or staff charged: 10₵ per gram. Final cost varies on the amount of material used. If you are ever unsure about how much something will cost, please see Mrs. Jansen with your project to give you an estimate. SOMS Library only accepts cash.
Items printed from the SOMS Library 3D printer that are not picked up within 14 days will become property of SOMS Library.
Items printed from the SOMS Library 3D printer that are not picked up within 14 days will become property of SOMS Library.
FAQs
How does 3D printing work?
SOMS Library’s 3D printer uses a process where plastic filament (PLA) is fed through a heated nozzle which melts the plastic. The MakerBot Replicator 3D printer uses computer-controlled motors that move the nozzle up, down, right and left to create the shape of a layer, which hardens immediately. The object is built one layer at a time from the bottom up.
What are some practical uses of 3D printing?
3D printing can be used for low-volume, custom or on-demand manufacturing. 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping of design concepts into functional, working models.
Is 3D printing safe?
The library uses MakerBot PLA filament which is a bioplastic derived from corn. It is guaranteed not to have any heavy metals, phthalates or BPA.
What software is used to make 3D models?
We recommend the free, online program called SketchUp Make. You can sign up for an account with just an email address. All of your work can then be saved in the .stl format needed to use SOMS Library’s 3D printer.
How do I get a file printed?
Please read the procedures section at the top of this page.
Can you help me design a 3D model?
Mrs. Jansen and the student library helpers will be happy to show you the basics of Thingiverse and SketchUp Make and direct you to online resources, however, they may not always be able to help you design your model. In that case, they can match you up with a student who has experience with 3D printing who can assist you.
How big of an object can you print?
11.2 L x 6.1 W x 6 H inches is the largest size we can accommodate.
How much does it cost to print something?
3D printing pricing is based on the weight of the object in grams: 10₵ per gram. Please see the examples at SOMS Library for size and weight estimations. The library only accepts cash.
How long will it take for me to get my 3D printed object?
Printing will be first-come, first-served. Your file will be placed in the queue in the order it was received. We do retain the right to reorder the queue based on printing times and staff availability. Printing time varies based on the size of the object. Small objects can take less than an hour, while large projects can take five or more hours.
What if my file doesn’t come out the way I wanted it?
Mrs. Jansen will work with you to determine the best resolution and infill for your model. She cannot guarantee how your model will turn out, however, you are responsible for all printing costs.
SOMS Library’s 3D printer uses a process where plastic filament (PLA) is fed through a heated nozzle which melts the plastic. The MakerBot Replicator 3D printer uses computer-controlled motors that move the nozzle up, down, right and left to create the shape of a layer, which hardens immediately. The object is built one layer at a time from the bottom up.
What are some practical uses of 3D printing?
3D printing can be used for low-volume, custom or on-demand manufacturing. 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping of design concepts into functional, working models.
Is 3D printing safe?
The library uses MakerBot PLA filament which is a bioplastic derived from corn. It is guaranteed not to have any heavy metals, phthalates or BPA.
What software is used to make 3D models?
We recommend the free, online program called SketchUp Make. You can sign up for an account with just an email address. All of your work can then be saved in the .stl format needed to use SOMS Library’s 3D printer.
How do I get a file printed?
Please read the procedures section at the top of this page.
Can you help me design a 3D model?
Mrs. Jansen and the student library helpers will be happy to show you the basics of Thingiverse and SketchUp Make and direct you to online resources, however, they may not always be able to help you design your model. In that case, they can match you up with a student who has experience with 3D printing who can assist you.
How big of an object can you print?
11.2 L x 6.1 W x 6 H inches is the largest size we can accommodate.
How much does it cost to print something?
3D printing pricing is based on the weight of the object in grams: 10₵ per gram. Please see the examples at SOMS Library for size and weight estimations. The library only accepts cash.
How long will it take for me to get my 3D printed object?
Printing will be first-come, first-served. Your file will be placed in the queue in the order it was received. We do retain the right to reorder the queue based on printing times and staff availability. Printing time varies based on the size of the object. Small objects can take less than an hour, while large projects can take five or more hours.
What if my file doesn’t come out the way I wanted it?
Mrs. Jansen will work with you to determine the best resolution and infill for your model. She cannot guarantee how your model will turn out, however, you are responsible for all printing costs.
