Exploratory Digital Media Makerspace

SUBMIT YOUR  3D PRINT JOB 

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

NOTE: 

*** To support an ongoing and sustainable 3D printing service, starting September 5, 2023 there will be changes to the cost of 3D printing from ncLibraries. ***

• Students, faculty and staff will get the first 25 grams of their 3D print job for free. 
• There will be a charge of $0.10/gram thereafter. 
• You will not be charged for failed prints. 
• You will be charged for item(s) upon pick-up.
• You must pay in cash. Credit or debit is not accepted.
• We will connect with you in advance of printing your job to provide you with a cost estimate.

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:

1. 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.
2. Read the guidelines listed in the next tab of this box.
3. Submit your job using the link in the final tab of this box.
4. 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:

• Simplify3D Print Quality Troubleshooting Guide
• ALL3DP Troubleshooting Guide to 24 Common 3D Printing Problems

Exploratory 3D Printer Software:

Edit/design your own 3D print:

Please review the following guidelines:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. ncLibraries Exploratory will not print anything that resembles a weapon, or parts of a weapon.
4. ncLibraries will not print any material that violates Niagara College Conduct Practices.

ncLibraries Exploratory reserves the right to:

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

Until September 4, 2023, there is currently no fee for 3D printing services, however, starting September 5, 2023, ncLibraries will be charging for 3D Print jobs, to support an ongoing and sustainable 3D printing service. Under our new model:

• Students, faculty and staff will get the first 25 grams of their 3D print job for free. 
• There will be a charge of $0.10/gram thereafter. 
• You will not be charged for failed prints. 
• You will be charged for item(s) upon pick-up.
• You must pay in cash. Credit or debit is not accepted.
• We will connect with you in advance of printing your job to provide you with a cost estimate.

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!

Recommended open source software alternatives:

Video:

• HitFilm Express
• OpenShot Video Editor
• Shotcut
• DaVinci Resolve 16
• Screenpresso (screen capture and recording)
• Powtoon (video tutorial creation)

Audio:

• Audacity

Photo:

• RawTherapee
• GIMP
• darktable

Coding:

• Code Academy

3D Modelling:

• SketchUp

Animation:

• Blender
• Inkscape
• Synfig

Desktop publishing/graphic design:

• Scribus
• Canva

Learn more about Creative Commons images, music, etc. to use with the green screen from our Copyright for Students guide. 

Helpful tips for removing a Green Screen:

User Manual:

EinScan-SE 3D Software User Manual 

YouTube Video:

User Manuals:

Singer Simple Sewing Machine (3221) User Manual

YouTube Videos:

YouTube Videos:

User Manuals:

• RODECaster Pro Learning Hub
• Audition Guide (PC)
• Audition Guide (MAC)
• Garageband Guide
• Other Guides

YouTube Videos:

User Manual:

• Canon XA15 Instruction Manual