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3D Printing

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The 3D printing service at Waldo Library allows Western Michigan University students, faculty and staff to request prints of 3D objects. Student requests receive priority.

About 3D printing

Printers

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

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.

Colors

Filament colors available are:

  • Black
  • Brown
  • Gold
  • Green
  • Grey
  • Light blue
  • Red
  • Featured color (see current color on this page)

You can request a color when you submit your print. We’ll do our best to use it, but availability depends on demand. If your chosen color isn’t available, we’ll use another from our list unless you let us know otherwise.

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

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.

Today's hours

Friday, July 11, 2025

3D prints can be picked up:

Waldo Library 7:30am – 6pm
Public Hours 7:30am – 6pm
Bronco Card Required
Bookmark Café Closed
Learning Glass Studio 9am – 5pm
Media Studio / Respondus Testing Room 9am – 5pm
Virtual Reality Lab / Flight Simulators 9am – 5pm
Writing Center Satellite Closed

Location

Our 3D printers are in the Tech Lab on the lower level of Waldo Library in Room 0135.

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 Tech 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—including weapons of any kind.
  • Obscene, offensive or otherwise inappropriate.
  • In violation of intellectual property rights.
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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.

Faculty members and 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?