Libraries Learning Commons: Exploratory Digital Media Makerspace: Welland Campus

Choose one:

3D Printing

NOTE: The file must be in .stl format and the maximum building size is 330 x 240 x 300 mm.

Want to take your great idea further?

ncTakeoff can help! Working in partnership with ncResearch & Innovation, ncTakeoff is Niagara College's entrepreneurial hub, contact them today.

Niagara College students, staff, and faculty have access to a 3D printer at the Welland Campus Exploratory.

3D Printing Process:

Choose or create a 3D model using free online software or the software available on the computers in The Exploratory. The final file must be in .stl format and the maximum building size is 30 cm tall x 33 cm wide x 25 cm deep.
Read the guidelines listed in the next tab of this box.
Submit your job using the link in the final tab of this box.
Wait for the magic to happen.

The filament used to create objects is Polylactic Acid (PLA) which is a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources. The material has a smooth appearance but it actually porous. This means that it should never be used to make articles that come into contact with food, for example.

Most requests will be printed by ncLibraries but keep in mind because this is an academic setting some items will not be printed.

Learn more about the basics of 3D printing and scanning from the tutorials available on ALL3DP.com!

Problems with your print? Check out these troubleshooting guides:

Exploratory 3D Printer Software:

Cubicon: Cubicreator Software
Software for use with the Cubicreator printer. Free download.
Ultimaker: Cura Software
Software to for use with the Ultimaker printer. Free download.

Edit/design your own 3D print:

3D Slash
A unique interface: as fun as a building game!
The perfect tool for non-designers and children to create in 3D
A unique interface: « slash » a cube, using a set of tools
As fun and compelling as a building game!
VR View!
Project pictures or text on your model, and engrave them!
Blender
Blender’s comprehensive array of modeling tools make creating, transforming, sculpting and editing your models a breeze.
FreeCad
FreeCAD is made primarily to design objects for the real world. Everything you do in FreeCAD uses real-world units, be it microns, kilometers, inches or feet, or even any combination of units. FreeCAD offers tools to produce, export and edit solid, full-precision models, export them for 3D printing or CNC machining, create 2D drawings and views of your models, perform analyses such as Finite Element Analyses, or export model data such as quantities or bills of materials.
Fusion 360
Free CAD + CAM software for individuals who are doing hobby, non-commercial design, and manufacturing projects.
Sketch Up for Web
With SketchUp for Web, the canvas for your next idea is just a browser tab away. Our web-based modeler is a streamlined version of our desktop app that uses the same core technology. And, by saving projects to Trimble Connect, you’re always working on the most up-to-date version of a model; you can even look-up version history. SketchUp for Web also auto-saves, so in-progress modeling is recovered on those occasions you push your browser a bit too far.
more...less...
Paid versions also available.
Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use web app that equips the next generation of designers and engineers with the foundational skills for innovation: 3D design, electronics, and coding! Great for beginners!

Please review the following guidelines:

This service is for non-commercial, academic, or personal use only. For these reasons ncLibraries Exploratory will NOT print large quantities of the same item.
Please keep in mind that printing 3D items involves many aspects of intellectual property such as copyright, industrial design, patent, and trademark law. It is up to you to determine if you are infringing copyright or violating another’s intellectual property rights. Please be aware of this before submitting print requests. See the next tab in this box for a list of sites that offer free and/or open source 3D models and modeling software.
ncLibraries Exploratory will not print anything that resembles a weapon, or parts of a weapon.
ncLibraries will not print any material that violates Niagara College Conduct Practices.

ncLibraries Exploratory reserves the right to:

Refuse any 3D print request.
Use staff discretion to organize the print queue for overall efficient output.
Photograph all 3D objects printed. Images may be used for monitoring, marketing, and/or reporting outcomes.
Gather feedback from users.
Implement additional requirements not listed here.

There is currently no fee for 3D printing services, however, this is subject to change in the future.

ncLibraries Exploratory does not have storage space to keep your item indefinitely. You will receive an email once your item is complete; this email will provide you with a deadline in which to pick-up your item (usually about 1 week). If your object has not been picked up by the deadline, it will be recycled.

Only authorized ncLibraries Exploratory staff will have hands-on access to the 3D printer, but you can watch items being printed!

Reserve the WC Exploratory

This Exploratory is located in the Welland Campus Library and Learning Commons.

Hours of operation are 8:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Reserve the Welland Campus Exploratory

For faculty/staff use of the Exploratory, please contact Siscoe Boschman (WC).

Equipment Available in the Exploratory

Shining 3D - EinScan Desktop 3D Scanner

Cubicon Style 3D Printer

Ultimaker S5 3D Printer

Button Maker

RodeCaster Pro Podcast Production Studio (with headphones and microphones for 2)

2 Dell Workstations with Adobe Creative Cloud, AudoDesk 3DS Max, Microsoft Office 365, and more

Yeti Blue Microphone

Green Screen and Selfie Ring Light

Moveable Sound Dampening Panels

Canon XA15 Video Camcorder

Rode Video Microphone Pro

XLR Lapel Microphones

Tripod (with Cellphone Attachment)

Oculus Quest Goggles

Cue Robot

Muse Brainwave Sensing Headbands

Cricut Mug Press

Cricut Maker Explore 3

Cricut Easy Press 2

Singer Simple Sewing Machine

Iron and Ironing Board

Software + Help Guides

**Note: equipment is for use in the Exploratory ONLY. Please provide your own USB stick or other device to save your files if you do not plan to upload them to the web.**

Licensed software on workstations include:

Adobe Creative Cloud (includes Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, After Effects, Audition, and more!)
Autodesk 3DS Max
Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Powerpoint, Access, Excel, Visio, and more!)

Help Guides: