3D Printing

 There is no cost for 3D printing at the Digital Media Center for DU students, faculty or staff.

The procedure for printing from the Digital Media Center’s 3D printers is as follows:

Design creation

• It is required for 3D Printing Technicians to go over design elements and inspect the 3D model to ensure that it can be printed.
• Creating a new 3D model requires an advanced knowledge of 3D modeling software products. Video tutorials that accompany CAD programs can be of assistance.
• Any 3D drafting software may be used to create a design as long as the file can be saved in .stl, .obj, or .thing file format. The Digital Media Center currently offers Blender and Google Sketchup on the computers in our lab for 3D modeling.
• Digital designs are also available from various file-sharing databases such as Thingiverse.com.

Submitting a design for printing

• Please submit our 3D Printing Request Form to request this service. You can submit a file for printing by including a link to the file's online location in the request form or by emailing a copy of the file to AAC-DMC@du.edu. Files must be in .stl, .obj, or .thing file format.
• Consultations can be arranged with staff to go over 3D modeling basics and help ensure successful prints for desired dimensions.
• 3D printing services are available on a first come, first served basis, but if there is high demand, we will schedule only one print per day per person or entity.
• Digital Media Center staff will view and prepare all files in Cura, Slicer or other authorized software before printing.
• Wait/pickup time: Items may be picked up at the Digital Media Center. It is always difficult to estimate exact print times. Depending on queue length and the size and complexity of 3D models, print times may vary. Digital Media Center staff will make an educated guess about the length of a job upon request. An email will be sent when the 3D object is ready to be picked up.

Please note that procedures governing the use of the Digital Media Center’s 3D printers are subject to change.

3D printers located in the Digital Media Center may be used only for lawful purposes. Active DU students, faculty, staff, and alumni will not be permitted to use 3D printers to create material that is:

• Prohibited by local, state, or federal law
• Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer)
• Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for a library environment
• In violation of another’s intellectual property rights, such as material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection

The Digital Media Center staff reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.

Items printed from 3D printers that are not picked up within 7 days of notification will become property of the Anderson Academic Commons. Items must be picked up by the individual who printed them.

Only designated Digital Media Center staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printers.