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3D Printing at Eastern

  • 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.

    1. Get your 3D model ready
    2. Save the model as .stl file (maximum size 50 MB)
  • Eastern Connecticut State University's 3D printers may only be used for lawful purposes.

    No one is permitted to create material that is:

    • Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
    • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
    • Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment.
    • In violation of another's intellectual property rights. For example, you cannot reproduce material subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

    CIT reserves the right to refuse any 3D print/scan request.

     

    CIT cannot guarantee model quality or stability, nor confidentiality of designs. Responsibility for removing rafts and supports is up to the user.

    Items must be picked up by the individual who submitted them or their designee, using valid ID.

    Items not picked up within 30 days after being printed become the property of CIT.

    Only designated CIT employees will have hands-on access to the 3D printer. Eastern students wishing to gain experience using 3D printers should contact CIT at cit@easternct.edu.

    The 3D printing queue is prioritized based on factors such as academic priority, class due dates, reprints, and other issues as they arise. We reserve the right to alter queue order based on these factors.

    To best accommodate large builds, please contact us 2 weeks prior to your "need by" date at cit@easternct.edu.

    For instructors, please contact us at the beginning of the semester so we can coordinate the best time for your class to submit their projects.

     
    Notice concerning copyright and other intellectual property restrictions

    The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement.This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order/scanning services if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright or other intellectual property laws.

    I acknowledge, represent, and warrant as follows:

    • I have read, understand, and will comply with the notice posted above.
    • I grant permission to the Eastern Connecticut State University and its agents to reproduce the photocopy or other reproduction and return them to me, and I have the legal right and authority to grant this permission.
    • I will use the photocopy or other reproduction only for private study, scholarship, or research.
    • I will not use them for any commercial purpose or allow any third party to do so.

     

  • Free 3D Modeling Software

    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.

     

    Free 3D Models

    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)