DUE TO SYSTEM DELAYS our 3D Printing service is down. Please contact MakerStudio@uncw.edu for inquiries. Our 3D Printing service should be operational by October 30th. Thank you.
3D Printing Services | Queue | Filament Recycling | 3D Printing Guidelines
The MakerStudio has several 3D Printers to support classroom assignments and personal creativity. We currently offer a mediated printing service, as well as a 3D Printer that can be reserved for use after a training session with our staff.
Conditions for using our 3D Printing Service
Why was my print job cancelled?
Your print job could be cancelled for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Not using your UNCW email when submitting your request.
- Unoptimized file for 3D Printing. You may have to review your file and optimize it for 3D printing. This is a common occurrence with requests people have modelled/designed themselves.
- Sizing error. Your print may be too large or too small to print.
- Your print will take too long. The MakerStudio cannot run machines outside of operating hours. Prints that exceed our open hours or staffing capacity may be declined.
- Request specifications. Sometimes we get requests that ask for 100% infill or disproportionate scaling of models. We may contact you about questions regarding these items. We will very rarely print anything with 100% infill without confirmation from the person requesting the job. Infill is the density of the print, and can sometimes mean a very large amount of filament used. If you're not sure what infill is, don't worry—we can handle it for you.
Unless infill is absolutely vital to your model, there is no need to input infill specifications on your model, allow the MakerStudio to handle that for more efficient printing.
Why isn't my print job showing up in the queue?
As we work on print jobs, we will change their status to pending, approved, and printing. These changes keep it in our queue on the backend, but make them temporarily disappear from the queue displayed above. Don't worry—we're working on it! You will get email updates as your print status changes.
3D Printing Services
Our 3D Printing Service is for UNCW faculty, staff and students. Before making a print request, please estimate the cost of your print job and read over all 3D Printing guidelines.
Need help with 3D Modelling? The MakerStudio can help walk you through learning different 3D Modelling programs to make your perfect design. For beginners, we recommend using TinkerCAD, a free browser-based modeling software. Other free modeling software includes Blender, Meshmixer, and ZBrush Core Mini.
Need help finding 3D Models online? Popular websites for finding 3D Models online include Thingiverse, Morphosource, NIH 3D Print Exchange, NASA 3D Resources, and Smithsonian 3D.
The MakerStudio Staff can offer additional assistance with finding, creating, and optimizing your 3D Model for printing.
The MakerStudio cannot take any filament from outside sources for recycling.
3D Printing Guidelines
- All 3D print requests must be submitted as a .STL file. Other file types will be returned for correction.
- Please allow up to 7 days for job completion.
- All print requests are processed in the order they are received. We cannot guarantee specific delivery times.
- If the item is not picked up in 14 business days it will become property of UNCW Library and will be recycled.
- Print cost is according to weight and cost table is listed below the guidelines. Payment is due upon print completion.
- Prints can be picked up at the MakerStudio.
- No weapons may be printed.
- UNCW does not guarantee a successful print. The cost of a completed print, regardless of quality, will be still be charged.
- All UNCW computer, network and Copyright policies apply to the use of the 3D printers.
- You may not use the printer to create material that is:
- Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses and immediate threat to the well-being of others.
- Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the University environment.
- In violation of another’s intellectual property rights, including to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection. It is the responsibility of the user to verify the eligibility of the item to be printed.
- Mass production of items beyond prototyping.
- We reserve the right to refuse any 3D print request for any reason.
- UNCW takes no responsibility for the end-use of an object once that object is printed.
| MakerStudo 3D Printing Cost | |
| Item Weight (grams) | Cost per gram |
| 0-150 grams | $0.12 per gram |
| 151-300 grams | $0.10 per gram |
| 301-750 grams | $0.07 per gram |
| 751+ grams | $.05 per gram |
Temporary Status: Currently our transaction service is delayed. Only UNCW students, faculty, and staff may print at this time. This will be updated once our transaction system is working for everyone.
The Transaction Process
- Check in with MakerStudio staff about the cost of your intended print.
- MakerStudio staff will put the charge of your print onto your account at the Library Technology Desk.
- Please go to to the Library Help Desk to pay for your print.
- Return to the MakerStudio with your receipt to begin printing your print.
Filling out the Submission Form
When filling out the Print Request form, you may have questions. If unsure about the following, leave it to the MakerStudio Staff!
Aside from your regular information, we can help with the rest of the form:
Print Job Title: Be sure to name your print! Ideally the name will correspond to what the item is, or what the file name is.
Description: This field is to describe the nature of your print. Is it decorative? Will be be passed around in class? Is it intended for load-bearing or will be used outside? Let us know so we can optimize the print for you.
Desired Final Dimensions: Be sure to let us know how big your model is. Models dimensions are usually listed in length x width x height. If you aren't sure about it, let us know how tall you'd like your model and we'll take care of the rest.
Color: Just let us know what color filament to use! Prints will only be made in a single color. For larger prints, we may be more limited.
Be sure to keep an eye on your email for print updates and communication about your model. We may have questions so we can better serve you!