3D Printing

OTS Student Multimedia Services maintains three Ultimaker Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers that students may use to print solid objects for academic purposes. The dual-extruder printers are configured exclusively for 2.85mm PLA or PETG filament.

The request process is different than using our online reservation system due to lengthy print times for 3D printers. Follow the steps below to get started.

explore 3D Printing

It's still free!

OTS will continue to support 3D printing for both academic and personal enrichment purposes at no charge. Plus, our experiential workflow guarantees that students gain practical, hands-on knowledge of the process. We encourage all students to try this technology and explore its potential to enhance their studies.

How to design for 3D printing

Original designs can be created using TinkerCad or other popular 3D design tools (All3DP). For higher-end users, Rhinoceros is available on Windows computers in the OTS labs. Print-ready object files can be downloaded from a number of popular online sources (All3DP).

What you need to know before printing 

• The Tech Support Desk does not support large-scale or commercial printing.
• 3D printing is limited to two object files per person, per week.
• Students can request a 3D printing appointment via the web form described below.
• Students may request a filament color, but the Tech Support Desk cannot guarantee a color. To control costs, we have to make efficient use of the filament on hand. Objects can be sanded and painted after printing. Colors typically stocked include white, black, gold, and blue/purple. Eventually, we plan to allow students to supply their own filament, provided it meets Tech Support Desk quality standards; inquiries may be sent to techsupport@towson.edu.
• The Tech Support Desk reserves the right to limit print resolution as necessary to keep print time down to 48 hours or less.
• If you have never used ORBS (our online reservation system) you must sign in before we can schedule your print. 

• Technology Support Desk will not print firearms, parts for firearms, or near-scale models of firearms. If the print is in fulfillment of a class assignment or other academic project, Technology Support Desk will print with verification from the Dean of your College. 

How to prepare for a 3D printing appointment

1. Create or secure your 3D object file (<5GB) in the STL or OBJ format. The object volume cannot exceed 13” long by 9” wide by 11.8” high (330mm by 240mm by 300mm).
2. Open the 3D Printing Request Form, enter your TU email address in the From field.
3. Complete the remaining form fields and, if applicable, include additional information in the Message box. To avoid delays, be sure to tell us the desired size of the finished print. When specifying your preferred print dates and times, confirm the Technology Support Desk hours of operation.
4. Drag and drop your object file(s) onto the Drop Files Here box; upload progress will display at the bottom of the form.
5. Once the upload completes, click Send in the lower left corner. You should receive acknowledgment of your request within two business days; if you do not, contact the Tech Support Desk for confirmation.

Check your email. Technology Support Desk staff will process your request and contact you within two business days to schedule a printing appointment. Then, we’ll book the printer for you through our Online Resource Booking System (ORBS) and send you the details via email.

Why not slice it yourself? To convert (or slice) your STL file into G Code so that the printer can build it up layer-by-layer, Technology Support Desk uses the free Ultimaker Cura slicing application. Students interested in scaling, rotating, configuring, and sicing their own objects can download and install Cura on their own computers.