Your 3D Journey

Interested in 3D printing? Want to know about the many ways this technology can help with your classes? The duPont-Ball library is here to help. We have thirteen 3D printers available for use in our lab, along with two 3D scanners. You can use the printers to 3D print from pre-made files, from your own models, or from a scan of your favorite object.

3D printers are available for current students, staff, and faculty. All standard 3D printing jobs must be finished before closing time.

If you are interested in learning more about 3D Printers and how they function, check out this great resource at: https://www.hubs.com/guides/3d-printing.

3D Printers

Whether you’re a seasoned 3D Printing ace or just starting out, our MakerGear M2, Ultimaker 3 Extended, Ultimaker S5, Sigma R19, and Prusa machines are available for use anytime the library is open. No reservations required, just come on in and start printing! All these printers can be run using the Makerbot, Simplify3D and Cura Software installed on our lab computers.

Like Video Tutorials? We have some listed below the images of our equipment to help you get acquainted with their use. Click the below printer categories to browse the equipment. Also, our LibGuide will introduce step by step tutorials and info related to each printer.

3D scanners

Have a model/sculpture/toy that you would want as a 3D model? Our scanners are capable of capturing these objects and transferring them into a 3D realm with amazing accuracy and detail! This opens up a new level of creativity to manipulate objects in a quick manner or just resize something and perhaps print out a smaller version. Whatever you choose, help from Innovation Lab staff is available to aid in getting the best scan possible.

To get the best scans, consider the size, material, and color of your object. The Artec can scan medium to full size objects while the Einscan is meant for small (20mm^3) to medium objects (basketball size). The object should not be made of transparent, semi-opaque, or shiny material. This affects how the scanning light bounces of the physical geometry and will not result in a good scan. The color cannot be a very dark color or black color. If these properties cannot be avoided, then approach a Lab Tech for methods that could create a scannable surface.

3D Sculpting

In the style of 3d printing, another medium besides plastic has provided a unique outlet for design not easily achievable with previous manual methods. The 3d printer we use is the Delta Wasp 2040 which can convert to a clay printer with the use of a clay extruder kit. Though it can yield very interesting results, it is a labor intensive preparation and requires precision when it comes to the consistency of the clay for best extrusion possible. Since it is clay, the resulting object can be kiln-fired.

In order to take advantage of this feature, an hour long tutorial will be given. During this tutorial, an emphasis on preparation of clay material and the work responsibility of the interested patron will be discussed.

3D CNC

Our Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine, Axiom Precision AR6 Pro+, is our first computer controlled subtractive manufacturing device. This high powered drill will precisely cut away (subract) layers. As it is a unique way to obtain a form, carving an item in this fashion can have varying results in end quality. Complexity of 3D form may lead to another machine better suited to the task. However, with solid materials being carved, a highlight of using this method is the durability of the end product versus a layered approach from additive 3D printing. So for the 2D, 2.5D, or 3D projects that can be accomplished with this machine, you can expect another level of finished end product. Various cutting bits, clamping devices, and rotary attachment are provided for this workstation. Patron must provide base materials to be used in this machine.

Ready to find or create 3D models?

Find a model to print from Thingiverse.com or create your own by following this 3D modeling LibGuide.