3D Printing

TU students can print 3D objects for academic assignments.

SCS Resource Availability

In response to COVID-19, Towson University is open with limited services. Equipment, studios, 3D printing, large format printing and VR events are unavailable throughout the 2020 spring semester. SCS technical support is still available during normal business hours by phone, email, chat, text message and TechHelp.

OTS Student Computing Services (SCS) maintains two Ultimaker 3 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 filament. Because 3D objects typically require very long print times, we have established the request-based workflow described below rather than the direct booking approach we use for other SCS resources.  

explore 3D Printing

It's still free!

SCS will continue to support 3D printing for both academic and personal enrichment purposes at no charge. Plus, our new experiential workflow guarentees that students will gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience. OTS encourages 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). Rhinoceros is available on Windows computers in the SCS labs. Print-ready object files can be downloaded from a number of popular online sources (All3DP).

What you need to know before printing 

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

How to prepare for a 3D printing appointment

  1. Create or secure your 3D object file (<5GB) in the STL, OBJ or 3MF format. The object volume cannot exceed 8.46” long by 8.46” wide by 7.87” high (215mm by 215mm by 200mm).
  2. Open the SCS 3D Printing Request Form and 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. When specifying your preferred print dates and times, bear in mind the SCS 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.

Check your email. SCS staff will process your request and contact you within one business day 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, SCS uses the free Ultimaker slicing application called Cura. Students interested in scaling, rotating, configuring, and sicing their own objects can download and install Cura on their own computers.