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3D Printing Services

Your guide to using the library's 3D Printer and 3D Scanner!

Policy

Pearsall Library – North Carolina Wesleyan University

3D Printing Policy

MISSION

To support the larger missions of the Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library and North Carolina Wesleyan University by cultivating responsible, high-demand design, and prototyping skills for North Carolina Wesleyan University students, faculty, and staff across departments through the use of 3D printing and scanning resources in an enriching environment.

OVERVIEW

3D printing services are available to current students, faculty, and staff of North Carolina Wesleyan University. Users can request 3D prints, 3D scanning, and consultations on 3D modeling software, sources of 3D models, or other information about 3D printing or scanning.

HOURS

3D printing and scanning services are available by appointment, typically during normal business hours, M-F 8AM – 5PM, but evening and weekend hours may be arranged. Consultations can be in-person or virtual.

USE

To submit a request for 3D scanning, printing, or scheduling a consultation, visit the 3D Printing Services page on the library’s website and the request an appointment tab. A member of the library staff will respond to the request as soon as possible.

The library reserves the right to refuse any design or print request. The makerspace may only be used for lawful purposes. Users will not be permitted to create material that is in violation of copyright, patent, or trademark protection, or inappropriate in the library or university environment, e.g., weapons, obscene objects, etc.

3D print jobs will be scheduled during library hours when staff and student workers are available to monitor the process. Due to the need to monitor 3D print jobs during the printing process, print jobs of over 4 hours long will be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine feasibility, as the library does not print overnight with the printer unattended. 

Users of the service will be notified in person or via e-mail of the estimated cost and projected date and time of the print job, and can observe the process if they wish.

The library staff reserves the right to limit the scanning or printing time per user during times of high demand.

COSTS

3D Printing

  • 10 cents per gram of filament.

Print jobs may be paid for in cash or have billed to a department code. The number of grams of filament for each print job are calculated using Cura 3D printing software. Print job pricing is based on current re-supply and maintenance costs for 3D printing services and may be amended as needed.

3D Scanning

  • Currently there is no charge for 3D Scanning using the library’s 3D Scanner.

The library staff reserves the right to limit 3D scanning per user during times of high demand.

Consultations

  • There is no cost for consultations on 3D printing, 3D scanning, and use of software to create 3D models. 

Request a consultation on the 3D Printing Services webpage.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Students can become makerspace volunteers to support the space and get hands-on experience with 3D printing and scanning.