TU students can print 3D objects for academic assignments.
TU students can print 3D objects for academic assignments.
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.
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.
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).
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.