3D Printing

The Library’s 3D printing service supports the learning of students and our campus community by providing 3D printing access and learning opportunities to all current students, faculty and staff.

How to submit a 3D printing request 

1. Before submitting the request form for the first time, read Library 3D Printing Service: Information and Guidelines below. 

2. Use the form below to send us your 3D print request details and design file. 

3D Printing Request Form

Note that you can now submit multiple files through the form at the same time, either with a cloud storage link or .zip file. 

(This is a new form! Please let us know if you have any questions or feedback at library.3dprinting@ontariotechu.ca). 

3. We will send you a quote and estimated time to for us to complete your request. 

The cost is $0.08 per gram of material, unless it is less than $0.50, in which case you will be charged the base amount of $0.50.

4. Approve the cost and we will let you know when your print is complete and ready for pickup.

We have a variety of ways for you to ask questions and learn about 3D printing. 

 Email: Contact us at library.3dprinting@ontariotechu.ca

 Book an Appointment: You can book an In Person or Online (Google Meet) appointment with staff. 

 3D Printing Tutorial: Our online 3D Printing Tutorial provides an introduction to 3D printing hardware, material, file types, software and settings.

 Workshops: Check the Library's Workshops and Events page for any 3D printing workshops being offered. 

Looking for other 3D printing services in the area and on campus? Go to our Other 3D Printing Services page.  

Who can use the Library 3D printing service 

Library 3D printer use is limited to current students, faculty, and staff of Ontario Tech University and Durham College. 

Cost

• For each 3D printing request form submission, we charge $0.08 per gram of material (filament) used, unless it is less than $0.50, in which case you will be charged the base amount of $0.50.
• When you send us a file, we will use our slicing software to calculate the number of grams, and we will then send you the cost. You can choose to approve the cost or not. 

Printer Settings

We have default printer settings, which are outlined below. If you would like to request different or more specific settings, you can tell us on the request form. 

• Layer height: 0.2mm layer height
• Infill: 15%
• Supports: We decide if they are needed, depending on the design. 
• Orientation on build platform: We decide on the best orientation, depending on the design. 
• Colour: We use whatever colour is loaded on the 3D printer. We are rarely able to accommodate colour requests due to limited material supply and 3D printer capacity, but you can check with us. 

Payment

Once a file has finished printing, we will send you pickup instructions and add the fee to your Library account. To pay this fee, you will go to your Library account in Omni and Sign in at the top right. Then select: your name at the top right > My Library Account > Fines + fees. This is an online payment system.  

Timelines

• We aim to respond to requests received through our form within three business days.  
• Once the requester has approved the cost, we aim to print the file within seven business days. During high demand periods, or if we experience technical problems, these timelines may be longer. 
• We endeavor to keep you informed when timelines are slower that normal, but please feel free to email us for updates at any time. 

Types of objects the Library will and will not print 

• The Library prints objects that are connected to users' course-related work, research and personal learning. During high demand periods, we may prioritize objects associated with academic projects.   
• The Library reserves the right to refuse print jobs that are deemed dangerous or inappropriate. This includes (but is not limited to) items under copyright, any items intended to be sold, items to be used for illegal purposes, and weapons. 

Limitations on printing and print requests 

• Size: Our largest 3D printers, the Bambu P1S and Ultimaker 2+, have a build size of about 23 cm x 23 cm x 23 cm. Our ability to print larger objects depends on factors such as print time (maximum ten hours) and the availability of the larger 3D printers.
• Print Time: 3D printing only occurs during designated hours. As a result, the maximum printing time per object is approximately ten hours. 
• Copies: The Library will not print multiple copies of objects that are intended to be sold commercially, though we may print a prototype. 
• Requests per user: During high demand periods, the Library may temporarily limit the number of print requests we process per individual user. 

Go to the 3D Printing Request Form. 

• Photo of workshop with 3D design on computer by Brendan Robins-Melrose. Image used with permission.
• Anatomical heart by DrewTM. [Screen capture]. Thingiverse. https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:45830
• Photo of Ultimaker 2+ by Ontario Tech Library. 
• Drone design and photo by Andrew Mark Dale. Image used with permission. 
• Upload by Abdul Matic; switch by Teewara soontorn; Email by Dicky Prayudawanto; Meeting by Tsundere Project; checklist on laptop by Icon Sea; Web meeting by Juan Pablo Pérez Beltrán from Noun Project (CC BY 3.0)