3D printers use a variety of different plastics or resins to build a real, physical model from a virtual 3D model computer file. A virtual model can be created using computer aided drafting software or other common 3D modeling software. Many virtual models can also be downloaded from free online communities that encourage people to share the models they’ve made themselves.

Most 3D printers use a high-temperature nozzle to melt a plastic filament and then deposit very thin layers of it onto a build platform, building a model layer by layer. The process can take anywhere from less than an hour to more than a full day, depending on the size and complexity of the model.

The Open Lab in the University Center for Teaching and Learning has 3D printers and trained specialists who consult with faculty, staff and students to create 3D objects that you can hold in your hand from virtual 3D models on a computer screen.

One of those specialists is William Hinson. He recently worked with mathematical biology student Maddie McCrea to print a prototype prosthetic hand. This work was done in conjunction with E-Nable, an organization that helps match people who need a prosthetic hand to those who have access to a 3D printer and can build one.

“Having a student actually come to us and produce one of these working prosthetic models was very exciting,” said Hinson.

“Obviously again there's no requirement for a project to be life-changing to come and work on it here in the Open Lab,” said Hinson. “But these sorts of possibilities are out there. What we want to focus on is getting as many people access to this production technology as possible so that people have an understanding of what it can do and then they can think of their own way to help improve their own lives or other people's lives through that."

Getting started

Students, staff or faculty interested in using the 3D printers are encouraged to contact the Open Lab through a consultation form or by email to get started with a 3D printing project. Open Lab staff will help determine the appropriate printer and material for the project and teach users how to generate a file that will print appropriately as well as how to operate a 3D printer. New users will require training and supervision when working directly with the printers.

Printer time is currently allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Preference given to projects directly related to academic coursework. Open Lab does not charge for printing materials; however, it does not have the capacity to support high-volume manufacturing.