3D printing is the process of creating physical objects from a digital model. This technology has been around since the 1980s, used mostly by engineers and industry designers.
The Angus L. Macdonald Library has purchased an Ultimaker 2+ Connect 3D Printer.
It is located on the first floor of Angus L. Macdonald Library at the Research Help Desk (to the left of the Access Services Desk).
The cost of printing a 3D model is based on its weight. There is a minimum base charge of $1.00 which includes 10 grams of filament. Additional grams of filament cost 10 cents / gram.
Example prints and costs:
Celtic Cross = 39g = $3.90 | Geographic model = 63g = $6.30 | Dinosaur = 16g = $1.60
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect uses PLA filament; a bio-degradable polymer that can be produced from lactic acid, which can be fermented from crops such as maize.
Your 3D file must be in binary STL, or stereolithographic file format, for printing. Most 3D modelling programs, such as AutoCAD and Rhino3D, will export 3D files to this format. You can can download and use the MeshLab freeware to convert your file to STL format.
Files in binary STL format should be submitted via the 3D Printing Request Form. Multiple STL files can be submitted in ZIP format. Once submitted an email will be received containing a ticket number which is required for tracking purposes. Reply to that email if you have any questions about your order. Please note, Academic submissions will take priority.
When notified by e-mail that your model is ready go to the Angus L. Macdonald Library Access Services Desk. You will need to pay for your model with Cash.
The Ultimaker 2+ Connect is best at printing objects designed from the ground up. Objects that contain extreme overhangs—or where large parts of the object are suspended in mid-air—will not print as well as objects without overhangs.
Errors in a 3D print depend on a number of factors:
● Was the STL file too complex?
● Was there something wrong with your 3D software program’s settings?
● Is PLA plastic a suitable material for printing this object?
There’s a wealth of 3D modelling software out there that can use to create a digital object. Some are easier to use than others.
FreeCAD and OpenSCAD are two free CAD (computer-aided design) software packages available online. If you’re new to 3D modelling, you may want to try Sketchup 8. It’s fairly easy to use, and has an export to STL plugin.
There are a number of places where you can browse and download 3D models. Here are two examples:
Makerbot's THINGIVERSE.COM: users can submit their 3D models to this database to make them available for free downloads. Many of these objects print well on the Ultimaker.
Shapeways.com is a searchable database of 3D model designs for purchase. Many of the 3D models on display on Shapeways require the precision of higher-end 3D printers, able to deal with overhangs and print materials other than plastic.
If you have any general questions about our 3D printing service please email 3dprinting@stfx.ca. If you have any questions about an existing order please reply to the acknowledgement email that you received when the order was submitted. To submit a model for printing please use the 3D Printing Request Form.