3D Printing

This service allows Western Michigan University students, faculty and staff to request prints of 3D objects. Student requests receive priority.

Hours, location and printers

  • Hours 3D prints can be picked up at the Technology Lab desk: Sun, 5-10pm; Mon-Thu, 9am-10pm; and Fri, 9am-5pm.

    All library hours

  • Location Our 3D printers are located in the Technology Lab on the lower level of Waldo Library in Room 0135.

    Other tech spaces

  • Printers Our lab has eight 3D printers. All printers are Ultimaker 3s.

Specifications

Request a 3D print

  • Dimensions

    Maximum size is 200 x 200 x 200mm. Models must be completed in two print jobs or less.

  • File type

    Submit all 3D models as .stl files. Make sure that the exported file is in millimeters.

  • Color

    Models are printed using a rotating random color. Requesting a specific color may increase wait time. A list of colors is available upon request.

  • Material

    We currently only stock PLA filament. Models must not exceed 250 grams of material.

  • Time

    Max print time of six hours is requested. Jobs that require more than six hours of print time will receive lower priority. Must not exceed 24 hours of print time.

  • Cost

    All 3D printing is free at this time.

Exceptions

  • Exceptions We may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for academic or research projects. If your project is hindered by the listed limitations, please include your special requirements in the 3D print request.

Finding 3D Objects

  • Looking for 3D designs?

    A great community for finding 3D objects can be found on Thingiverse. You can browse from over 1.6 million printable designs or share your own.

    Visit Thingiverse

Orders and Rules

Orders

Patrons may only have one pending 3D print order at a time. New orders may not enter the queue until the previous order has been completed.

If multiple orders are submitted, the first order will remain in the queue, however, the remaining orders will be canceled.

Once the print has been completed, you will be notified by email. Prints can be picked up from the Technology Lab on the lower level of Waldo Library during open hours.

3D prints not collected within two weeks become the property of the University Libraries. 

Printing rules

No one will be permitted to print objects that are:

  • Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
  • Obscene, offensive or otherwise inappropriate.
  • In violation of intellectual property rights.

Instructors

  • Instructors Due to fluctuating demand and delivery times, the 3D printing service may not be used as a requirement for your curriculum.

Questions about 3D printing?

Email the Technology Lab