University of Alberta Library Home > Services > 3D Printing

3D Printing in Cameron

COVID-19 Service Update:
Picking up 3d printed models is not available at this time, and submitting new jobs is discouraged.

What is 3D printing?

3D printers use digital models to fabricate three-dimensional objects, successively printing or forming layers of material, one at a time, until an object is fully rendered.

What equipment and materials do we use?

In Cameron Library we have the following 3D printers: Prusa i3 MK2, Prusa i3 MK3S, and Prusa i3 Multi Material.

Our Digital Scholarship Centre, located on the second floor of Cameron Library, has the following 3D printers: Ultimaker 2 Extended, Ultimaker 3, and Formlabs Form 2. The DSC also provides access to other makerspace equipment.

All our 3D printers currently use a plant-based and biodegradable PLA filament.

Who is eligible to 3D Print?

Any University of Alberta student, faculty, and staff member who wants to print a 3D object for educational purposes is eligible to use the 3D printers in Cameron Library. This may include models for an assignment, research instruments, prototypes of a theoretical design, etc.

What size of object is eligible to print?

We recommend submitting models that will print in 4-6 hours, so items roughly the size of a golf ball or that can sit in the palm of your hand. Larger prints may be considered upon consultation. Whether we are able to accommodate larger jobs is based on our queue length, our operating hours, and the functional availability of our printers. The accommodation of larger jobs remains at the discretion of library staff.

Most 3D modelling software provides an object's estimated print time. For example, you can do this if you employ Slic3r on a 3D model in Repetier-Host.

How much does it cost?

This service is completely free for students, faculty, and staff.

How do I print a 3D object?

Our service is mediated, so you send a model and our staff will select the best printer for your job and print it for you. If you would like more hands-on experience, please check out the Science Hardware Space: The Shack.

#1 - Get your 3D model ready

#2 - Save the model as .stl file

#3 - Submit your 3D print request

3D Printing Policies

  1. The library's 3D printers may only be used for lawful academic purposes. No one is permitted to create material that is:
    • For commercial purposes
    • Prohibited by local, provincial, or federal law.
    • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
    • In violation of another's intellectual property rights. For example, you cannot reproduce material subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
  2. The library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
  3. The library cannot guarantee model quality or stability, nor confidentiality of designs. Responsibility for removing rafts and supports is up to the user.
  4. Items must be picked up by the individual who submitted them or their designee, using valid ID. Items not picked up within 30 days after being printed become the property of the UA Libraries.
  5. The 3D printing queue is prioritized based on factors such as academic priority, class due dates, reprints, and other issues as they arise. We reserve the right to alter queue order based on these factors.

For more guidance, we recommend reviewing the University of Alberta’s Opening Up Copyright instructional module: Makerspaces and Copyright

Where can I get help?

If you have any questions or concerns, please email: make.library@ualberta.ca