SPEC Kit 348: Rapid Fabrication/Makerspace Services · 91
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Digital Media Commons |3D Printer
http://library.ucalgary.ca/dmc/3d-printer
3D Printer |Library
http://library.ucalgary.ca/dmc/3d-printer[8/18/15, 4:16:02 PM]
Home • Prospective Students • Current Students • Alumni • Community • Faculty &Staff IT • HR • MY U OF C • CONTACTS
Request 3D print job
Hours &Locations » Digital Media Commons
3D Printer
What is 3D printing?
A 3D printer works by depositing a substance layer by layer until an object is formed. The printer in
the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) is a consumer-level machine, meaning that it creates small-
scale objects using a plastic-based material. The process is much cheaper and less messy
compared to that of large, industrial 3D printers.
Why offer a 3D printing service?
Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR) is committed to providing the latest technology and tools that
enhance research and hands-on, experiential learning. LCR is providing a valuable service to
students and researchers by making 3D printing more accessible. Many experts believe this
technology will revolutionize the world of manufacturing.
The consumer-level printer in the TFDL is ideal for experimenting with design and prototyping. It
allows students and researchers to test their concepts in a real-world scenario.
Where is the 3D printer located?
The printer is located in the Digital Media Commons on the third floor of the Taylor Family Digital
Library.
How do 3D printers affect air quality?
Unlike larger, industrial printers that use resins, our consumer-level 3D printer does not emit fumes.
The material used in the printer in the TFDL is a synthetic substance called polylactic acid (PLA). It is
derived from plant material and is biodegradable.
How much detail can the printer create?
The 3D printer in the TFDL is capable of producing objects with a resolution of one-tenth of a
millimetre, approximately the width of a strand of hair.
How much does it cost to print an object and how long does it take?
It costs $1.00 plus 15 cents per gram for a printed item, which could amount to a few dollars. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a several hours. Cost and time depends
upon the size and complexity of the object.
What kind of objects can I print?
You can print anything on a small scale, such as a prototype design, an action figure or a trinket for a necklace.
There are many open-source files available online that can be downloaded for printing, or you can create your own.
Please keep in mind that you can’t print everything you find online. Copyright laws and intellectual property rules apply. Ensure that any files you acquire from the internet are
open-source or that licensing requirements are met. There are many websites that have Printable 3D models available for free or for sale:
Thingiverse
3D File Market
Open Education Database
Dalhousie University Library 3D Model Repository
The Digital Media Commons also has a variety of 3D modeling tools available so that you can create whatever object that you can imagine:
Rhino 3D
Autodesk 3DS Max
Digital Media Commons
HOME SEARCH COLLECTIONS ▼ SERVICES ▼ HOURS &LOCATIONS ▼ ABOUT US ▼ GET HELP
Search
UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
Digital Media Commons |3D Printer
http://library.ucalgary.ca/dmc/3d-printer
3D Printer |Library
http://library.ucalgary.ca/dmc/3d-printer[8/18/15, 4:16:02 PM]
Home • Prospective Students • Current Students • Alumni • Community • Faculty &Staff IT • HR • MY U OF C • CONTACTS
Request 3D print job
Hours &Locations » Digital Media Commons
3D Printer
What is 3D printing?
A 3D printer works by depositing a substance layer by layer until an object is formed. The printer in
the Taylor Family Digital Library (TFDL) is a consumer-level machine, meaning that it creates small-
scale objects using a plastic-based material. The process is much cheaper and less messy
compared to that of large, industrial 3D printers.
Why offer a 3D printing service?
Libraries and Cultural Resources (LCR) is committed to providing the latest technology and tools that
enhance research and hands-on, experiential learning. LCR is providing a valuable service to
students and researchers by making 3D printing more accessible. Many experts believe this
technology will revolutionize the world of manufacturing.
The consumer-level printer in the TFDL is ideal for experimenting with design and prototyping. It
allows students and researchers to test their concepts in a real-world scenario.
Where is the 3D printer located?
The printer is located in the Digital Media Commons on the third floor of the Taylor Family Digital
Library.
How do 3D printers affect air quality?
Unlike larger, industrial printers that use resins, our consumer-level 3D printer does not emit fumes.
The material used in the printer in the TFDL is a synthetic substance called polylactic acid (PLA). It is
derived from plant material and is biodegradable.
How much detail can the printer create?
The 3D printer in the TFDL is capable of producing objects with a resolution of one-tenth of a
millimetre, approximately the width of a strand of hair.
How much does it cost to print an object and how long does it take?
It costs $1.00 plus 15 cents per gram for a printed item, which could amount to a few dollars. It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a several hours. Cost and time depends
upon the size and complexity of the object.
What kind of objects can I print?
You can print anything on a small scale, such as a prototype design, an action figure or a trinket for a necklace.
There are many open-source files available online that can be downloaded for printing, or you can create your own.
Please keep in mind that you can’t print everything you find online. Copyright laws and intellectual property rules apply. Ensure that any files you acquire from the internet are
open-source or that licensing requirements are met. There are many websites that have Printable 3D models available for free or for sale:
Thingiverse
3D File Market
Open Education Database
Dalhousie University Library 3D Model Repository
The Digital Media Commons also has a variety of 3D modeling tools available so that you can create whatever object that you can imagine:
Rhino 3D
Autodesk 3DS Max
Digital Media Commons
HOME SEARCH COLLECTIONS ▼ SERVICES ▼ HOURS &LOCATIONS ▼ ABOUT US ▼ GET HELP
Search
