How do I access 3D printing in the Makerspace?
Answer
About 3D Printing in the Makerspace
3D printing is available in the Makerspace for RDP students, faculty, and staff, as well as community users with a valid RDP Library membership.
3D printing in the Makerspace is free, with the following limitations:
- 3D printers are to be used for non-commercial purposes only.
- The time for individual prints cannot exceed 8 hours.
- There is a limit of 200 grams of filament per month, per person.
- 3D prints that are used as part of an assignment for an RDP course do not count towards this total.
Additionally, 3D printers may only be used for lawful purposes and the RDP Makerspace reserves the right to refuse any print request. The 3D printers cannot be used to print any object that is:
- Prohibited by provincial or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, or that poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
- In violation of the intellectual property of others.
- A weapon (in whole or in part).
- Lewd, malicious, or otherwise unsuitable for creating a welcoming and inclusive public space.
How to Access 3D Printing
- If you have not already, please complete the Makerspace Code of Conduct.
- When trying 3D printing for the first time, you can speak to a Makerspace Technician at any time during Makerspace hours to go over:
- How to find or create a 3D file.
- How to prepare a 3D file for the 3D printer.
- How to submit a file.
- Once your file is prepared, you will submit the prepared file(s) and a submission form to a Makerspace Technician, who will add it to the 3D printing queue.
- When your 3D print is complete, you will receive a pick-up notification by email.
3D Printing Turnaround Times
3D printing in the Makerspace is done using a queue system. For the most part, prints are done in the order that they are received, with some exceptions:
- 3D prints used for RDP assignments have priority over personal prints.
- Objects with long print times may be moved down the queue if there is not enough time left in the day to print them. This is done to minimize the amount of time that prints are left unsupervised.
Makerspace Technicians cannot guarantee turnaround times for 3D prints (though a general estimate can usually be given at the time of submission).
It is highly recommended that you submit any 3D prints that are part of an RDP assignment well ahead of the deadline.
Where can I find 3D files for printing?
There are a variety of websites that offer 3D printing files. Generally, we recommend Thingiverse and Printables.
If you would like to get started with designing your own 3D files, we recommend Tinkercad, which is a browser-based 3D modelling program that is user-friendly and great for beginners. Makerspace computer stations also have additional 3D modelling/CAD software for more experienced users.
Additional questions? Feel free to visit us during Makerspace Hours, or contact us by phone at 403-356-4916 or by email at makerspace@rdpolytech.ca.
