KU Libraries Makerspace: 3D Printing

1) Who can use KU Libraries 3D Printing Services?

Users must be current KU faculty, instructor, staff, or student (Lawrence & Edwards campus), or a Haskell student with an current KU ID card.

2) What kind of printer does KU Libraries use?

We presently have a LulzBot TAZ Workhorse. The print bed dimensions are 280 mm (w) x 280 mm (l) x 285 mm  (h) (11.02 in x 11.02 in x 11.22 in).

3) What type of filament do you use?

We are presently using PolyLite™ PLA . It is inexpensive, and more reliable than some other materials. Color of filament will depend upon availability (currently green and purple).

4) How do I submit my file?

You can make an appointment to submit your file in person via a USB flash drive, or you can fill out the print request form and upload your file.

5) What type of file needs to be submitted?

Please submit your request as an .stl file. It must be small enough to be print within 6-7 hours. Please include the dimensions for your object in mm, along with any other specifications. If you need assistance with this process, please let us know in the additional information box when submitting your print request.

6) How long will it take to print an item?

Instruction and research use are the priority. If you have a personal project, you would like printed, it might take longer than 48 hours. It depends upon how many items are in the queue. Once your .stl file has been approved the turnaround time is approximately 48 hours.

7) How will I know when my 3D model is ready?

We will send you an email notifying you when it is ready to be picked up at Anschutz Library. Please make sure you have your KU ID with you. If the item is not picked up within 30 days, KU Libraries will dispose of the item.

8) How many objects can I print per semester?

There is a maximum of 6 items per semester provided it is related to coursework or research and a maximum of 3 items per semester for personal use.  We will not print for commercial purposes. Please see #10 for information on commercial printers.

9) What will the quality of the model look like when it is complete?

It is common for printed objects to have some slight imperfections such as, small holes, bumps or rough spots. These can be sanded down or fixed with other tools. In some instances where models have overhangs or slopes (i.e. the front of a tugboat) or parts that are suspended in mid-air (i.e. a tree branch) it will require supports. If your object has a base smaller than the rest of the object (i.e. a rocket ship) then it will require rafts to support the base of the model. Supports and rafts are necessary to ensure that the object is printed properly and are easy to remove. KU Libraries staff are not responsible for removing supports and/ or rafts from the object. This will be the responsibility of the user.

10) What if I need something printed that KU Libraries can't print for me?

If you need something printed quickly, or with a different type of filament please consider using one of the following services:
i.materialise - https://i.materialise.com/en
Sculpteo - https://www.sculpteo.com/en/

11) Are there any restrictions with using the 3D Printing Service?

Items printed must be for non-commercial use only and not intended for sale. Users may not use equipment to create objects that may endanger themselves or others. KU Libraries staff reserve the right to deny any print request for any reason. The University of Kansas abides by the copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). These laws govern photocopying or creating other reproductions of copyrighted materials. All users of the 3D printer must abide by copyright laws. For more information, please see the Libraries' Code of Conduct for Library Users.

1. Prepare your .stl file using the following file name format: Lastname_Firstname.stl
2. Fill out the request form, upload your file, and submit your request. You may also set up an appointment with Makerspace staff if you would prefer to bring in your .stl file.
3. Library staff will evaluate your model to ensure printability and notify you. Please note your file must not take longer than 6-7 hours to print.
4. Once approved, it will go into the print queue.
5. When your model is ready to pick up you will receive an email that your item is ready to be picked up at the Anschutz Circulation Desk. If it is not picked up within 30 days, will become the property of KU Libraries. 

 

Go to 3D Printing Request Form

 

What can be 3D Printed?

3D printing as a concept has been around since the early 1980's when Hideo Kodama first filed a patent for a system that used UV light to harden photopolymers[1]. Since then the world of possibilities for 3D printing has expanded exponentially. 3D printing is used in:

1) Prosthetics                                                                 5) Architecture

2) Food                                                                           6) Paleontology

3) Medicine                                                                     7) Forensics

4) Art                                                                               8) Automotive

And much much more!

---

Materials that can be 3D Printed

As the technology involved in the printer's themselves as gotten more advanced the ability to print in a wider variety of materials has grown as well.  Most 3D printing is done is plastic, and most plastic 3D printing is done in thermoplastics, because of its reliability and capability to undergo multiple melting cycles. Plastic printing can be split into the major groups of FDM, SLA, and SLS.

Fused Deposition Modeling(FDM)

Also know as Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is arguably the most common at the consumer level of the three. Many FDM materials are available at lower costs but in turn can have space between layers and surface irregularities.

• ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)    
• PLA (polylactic acid)
• PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol)
• Nylon
• TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
• PVA (polyvinyl alcohol)
• HIPS (high impact polystyrene)

In addition composites like carbon fiber, kevlar, and fiberglass are possible FDM materials.

Stereolithography(SLA)

Regarded as having the best resolution and finish of the three main types, SLA materials are commonly used in resin printers. In recent years the availability of resin printing on a consumer level has become far more wide spread. SLA print tend to be isotropic and are favored for their very small tolerances.

• Standard Resins
• Clear Resin
• Polyurethane Resins
• ESD Resin
• Ceramic Resin
• Rigid Resins
• Medical and dental resins

Are some of the potential materials used in SLA printing.

Selective Laser Sintering(SLS)

The last of the three types of plastic printing talked about here, SLS is the least common on a consumer level. It is often used in commercial scenarios, because of the wide rage of capabilities from rapid prototyping to small batch production, isotropic properties, and almost no visible layers.

• Nylon 12
• TPU
• Nylon composites
• Nylon 11

Are common SLS materials.

Each of these materials can also come in a wide variety of colors and finishes as well. There are cosmetic filaments like metallic or silk, and then texture finishes like wood.

Silk Filament

Wood Filament

 

Flexible Filament

 

UV Filament

 

Other Materials

Outside of plastics there are a plethora of other materials that specialized 

Resource for finding files to print?