Makerspace

3D Printing Introduction

Stop in the Bethel University Library Makerspace to print a 3D model. The Makerspace has 4 consumer level desktop 3D Printers.  This technology allows you to build physical objects from digital models that you can create in a variety of ways.  For your next big design project -- send us a 3D model file to print. A 3-dimensional model can be held, felt, and examined which makes a perfect "show and tell" piece for a presentation.

There are 4 steps to print your own 3D model in the Makerspace:

1. Find a 3D model or create a model with software or scan an object to create a 3D model with your phone.

2. Download and Submit your digital 3D model file to the Makerspace: 3D Printing Submission Form

3. The 3D model is "sliced" with software to check for size, integrity, and add supports to stableize it during printing.

4. An email estimate is sent to you asking for approval to print with the details of how long the print job will take and its cost.

Thingiverse 3D Model Repository

To find a 3D model, browse the Thingiverse 3D Model Repository. Most 3D models are free to download. Once you have downloaded the 3D model, send it to the Makerspace to be printed on one of our four 3D printers.   

Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects

Slicing and Printing a 3D File

The slicer software "cuts" the digital file into many slices so the 3D printer can turn these slices into thin layers of extruded plastic. As the printer lays down each layer, the object begins to take shape, coining the phrase "additive manufacturing". We will also verify the size and integrity of the 3D model by checking for holes, and adding supports and adding a raft or base to stabilize the model so it won't tip over during printing.

We will email you the time estimate or the time it will take to print as this determines the cost.

Low Cost 3D Printers

One of the first and most influencial 3D printer projects was the RepRap Project. "RepRap" (a contraction: replicating rapid prototyper) developed the first low-cost 3D printers that printed most of their own components," from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RepRap

Additive Manufacturing

Fabrication technology has existed for decades, but the large-scale equipment and material costs meant that constructing an object with a 3D printer were limited to large manufacuturing companies. Today, 3D printers are very affordable and small enough to be used in libraries, businesses, and homes. There are many types of free software to create your own 3D model or use a phone app to create a 3D scan of an object.

Rapid Prototyping

Professionals in many fields are embracing the capability of rapid prototyping to quickly and cheaply create objects for all kinds of purposes. Gaining experience with 3D models and printers will advanced your skills and assist you in learning this innovative technology in your field of work as you begin your career.

• Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy Visible Heart® Lab University of Minnesota - 3D Modeling of the heart you can download or print
• Biomedical -- Dental Models Thingiverse, 3D Printing for Medical Use Makerbot Stories 
• Health Sciences - Human Z-Anatomy Sketchfab, Larynx Models in Sketchfab, University of Dundee School of Medicine
• Engineering -- Gears Thingiverse, Eng Group, Mechanical Engineers Group, Car Parts
• RepRap -- RepRap Group
• Theatre  -- Broadway, Theater, Sew Easy Group, Star Trek Group, 
• Art and design -- Reproductions and Replicas, 3D Capture, original work with poetry
• Geography -- 3D maps, Terrain visualizations, 3D Terrain,
• History -- World at War Group
• Biology/Anthropology -- Bones of Lucy the Australopithecus afarensis
• How Things Work - How Things Works - Sketchfab
• Thingiverse Groups - Groups

This is for EVERYONE to enjoy and be inventive, creative, give gifts, create mementos, replacement parts, and use your imagination!

Get started today!