What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is the process of creating a physical object one thin layer at a time from a digital design. In the Makerspace, we use Fused Deposit Modelling (FDM) printers, which melt plastic filament pushing it through a heated nozzle and depositing it layer by layer.

For more detailed information follow the links below.

What is 3D printing?

How Does 3D printing work?

How To

Remote or Drop-in access (6-201V)

Start your print remotely or stop by and the student Makerspace Tech Tutors will introduce you to 3D printer basics so you can use the machines yourself. The 3D Printing Introduction covers safety basics, where to get objects, file prep and starting a print - takes about 1 hr. Available any time the Makerspace is open! Come make with us!

Log in with your MacEwan ID to upload your file to our print queue.

Printing an Object

3D Printing Guide (PDF)

Scope of Service

  • To provide equitable access, users can submit two 3D prints/mo; print times are limited to 12 hrs for each print job. To request a print job outside these parameters, please contact makerspace@macewan.ca.
  • We cannot 3D print using filament other than what is provided by the Makerspace.
  • Completed prints are available for in-person pick up from the Makerspace (6-201V). Prints will be kept on a labeled table. Make sure to notify a tutor when you pick up your print so they can make sure it was successfully received.
  • Prints will only be kept for 30 days. After this time, they will be given away.

When submitting 3D prints remotely:

  • If your job fails due to an issue with the file and how it is sliced, you will receive instructions from Tech Tutors for improving the file and/or slicing via the system
  • If it fails again, you will be asked to come into the Makerspace so the Tech Tutors can help you improve your file and its slicing so it prints properly.

Specifications

Meet our Printers

Ultimaker S3
Official Website
Number of Printers: 2
Build Volume: 9" x 7.4" x 7.9"
Use For:
Our Machine Names: Audrey II & Dracula

Ultimaker 3
Official Website
Number of Printers: 2
Build Volume: 9" x 7.4" x 7.9"
Use For:
Our Machine Names: Slimer & Godzilla

Bambu Lab X1e
Official Website
Number of Printers: 1
Build Volume: 10" x 10" x 10"
Use For:
Our Machine Names: Shadow The Hedgehog

Creality K1 Max
Official Website
Number of Printers: 2
Build Volume: 12" x 12" x 12"
Use For:
Our Machine Names: Ghoulia & The Silence

Materials

The Makerspace uses the 3D printing filament PLA.
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane.
While it is biodegradable, printed objects should last for many years and is not recyclable by curbside recycling programs. It does not create harmful fumes when heated.

Regularly Available Filament Colours
  • Black
  • White
  • Grey
  • Silver
  • Brown
  • Blue
  • Light Blue
  • Green
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Red
  • Pink
  • Purple

If you’re interested in what other specialty colours we have or want to see the filament in person you can drop-in during our regular hours.

Contact

To request longer prints or for any 3D printing questions, advice, or object design help, email makerspace@macewan.ca.