The 3D printing lab is located in room LIB 235, in the J. E. Smith Library. TEST AGAIN!
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The 3D printing lab is located in room LIB 235, in the J. E. Smith Library. TEST AGAIN!
3D printers use digital models to fabricate three-dimensional objects one layer at a time. The process has been used in engineering and commercial settings for almost 30 years. Low cost 3D printers, do-it-yourself kits, and open source software are bringing the technology into broader use.
We endeavor to provide the latest technology and tools to enhance research and experiential learning. 3D printers are already starting to be used in departments and programs on campus (such as earth and environmental sciences, theater and computer science).
We have 4 MakerBot Replicator 5th generation printers and one MakerBot z18 printer which print in a variety of single colors. The printers use plant-based, recyclable PLA plastic (#7).
Priority is for Eastern students who have been assigned undergraduate class work. Faculty, and staff may also take advantage of the lab.
Contact CIT to a arrange a time to access the lab.
Printing times vary based on size, complexity, and any demand.
Blender - open source 3D animation suite. Enable the 3D Printing Toolbox.
OpenSCAD - free software for creating solid 3D CAD models. Useful for creating models of machine parts.
Sketchup - comes in free or pro versions. Get the Sketchup STL from the Extension Warehouse.
Tinkercad - a browser-based 3D design platform, now part of Autodesk (free version available).
123 Design - a free, powerful, yet simple 3D creation and editing tool from Autodesk.
You can search for pre-existing models on the Internet to print as they are, or to modify using 3D modeling software.
3D Warehouse - Sketchup's searchable design library.
Instructables - from the 123 community.
Thingiverse - MakerBot's searchable design library community.
Information
HP 3D Printing Glossary - Terms and Definitions to the vocabulary
CIT - Center for Instructional Technology
Eastern Connecticut State University
cit@easternct.edu | Office: 860-465-1248
CIT (LIB 420) & 3D Print Lab (LIB 235)