3D Printing

Professional FDM 3D printing services for prototypes, models, and design exploration.

Plan a test that answers a design question

Before printing the entire model, identify what you need to learn. A small test of a joint, thin feature, surface, or connection may answer the question with less material and leave more time for revision.

Tell staff the intended finished dimensions, number of copies, purpose of the model, and deadline. Explain any surfaces that matter visually and any parts that must fit together. Include those requirements in the request so they can inform the preparation discussion.

Build time for file review, printing, collection, and possible revision into your schedule. Ask about current capacity when a deadline matters. Submitting a file does not establish a guaranteed completion time.

After collecting a test, compare it with your intended dimensions and fit. Record what you would change before sending the next revision. Keep the source model and make the revised submission easy to distinguish from the earlier file.

For class-wide work or a project with many parts, start with FabLab project planning. For help preparing a clear submission, see Rhino file organization and handoff.

Quick Start Guide

Filament Selection

• Available Pay-To-Print Fillament
  • PLA White
  • PLA Black
  • PLA Gray
  • PLA Red
  • PLA Orange
  • PLA Yellow
  • PLA Green
  • PLA Blue
  • PLA Magenta
  • PETG Black
  • PETG White
  • PETG Transparent
  • TPU Black
  • TPU White
• Self Provided Filament
  • Please check our aproved list of vendors and filament found on the FabLab Canvas page & below before purchase.

Step-by-Step Quick Process

1. Check your PaperCut balance: Login to PaperCut portal
2. Export your 3D model as STL (see model prep checklist below)
3. Submit your job: PaperCut Job Ticketing - 3D Print → “New Order” → Upload your STL → Include your name and project title
4. Wait for notification: Check the job status and ask staff about current timing if your deadline is close
5. Pickup: Check your UKY email for a pickup notice and find your finished print outside the Print Lab.

Use the model preparation checklist before submitting. Staff may identify changes needed during review; leave time to revise the file or test the design.

✅✅✅ 3D Printing Pamphlet

Check the panflet or the Checklist below for more 3D printing Information
3d_printing_pamphlet_2026.pdf

Self Provided Filament

If you intend to buy and provide your own filament for 3D printing, please review the following filament requirements.
self_provided_filament_requirements.pdf

🧰 Model Prep Checklist (Before You Export)

Your file must meet these three rules:

1. Closed Solid Geometry

• Your model must be watertight: no holes, open edges, or gaps.
• In Rhino, use ShowEdges. Look for “0 naked edges.” If there are any, fix them before proceeding.

2. Correct Units & Scale

• Always model in millimeters or inches, never feet.
• Keep your model within a 8x8x8 inch cube. (203.2 x 203.2 x 203.2 millimeters)
• Change your units to millimeters before exporting with the Units command.
  • Double check the size of your model with the Distance or Scale command.
• Example mistake: A 6-ft wall modeled in feet might export as a tiny 6 mm wall!

3. Export as STL (Rhino Workflow)

• Go to File → Export Selected → STL (.stl)
• Choose Binary format (smaller file size, recommended)
• Click Options and set mesh tolerance — a good FDM setting is:
  • Maximum distance edge-to-surface: ~0.125 mm (0.005")
• After export, re-import the STL back into Rhino and check with ShowEdges again.

🔗 References:

• Rhino STL Export Guide (McNeel Wiki)
• Official Rhino STL Help Docs
• SimScale STL Export Tips

📤 Submission via Canvas & PaperCut

1. Log in via Canvas with LinkBlue credentials & navigate to the FabLab page.
   _OR
   Directly open the 3D Print Queue
2. Select “New Order”
3. Upload your STL file (250 MB max) and name it with your name and project title.
4. Select your Material Type/Color under the Details section.
5. Enter your program information (Department/Year).
6. Ensure your PaperCut account has enough funds (minimum $1 recommended).
7. FabLab Staff will slice your model, estimate cost, and begin the job.

⚙️ Print Queue & Processing Workflow

• Staff review and slice files using the latest stable version of Bambu Studio.
• Jobs assigned to printers.
• Printing time varies:
  • Small parts: ~1–4 hours
  • Larger models: 12–20 hours
  • 20 hour maximum per model.
• You’ll get a pickup email once the print is done.

📦 Pickup & Payment

• You’ll receive an email when your print is ready.
• Status will change to “Completed” in PaperCut.
• Go to Room 114B, find your print + invoice, and inspect it.
• If equipment-related issues caused failure, staff will reprint or refund.

🖼 Current Capabilities (Fall 2026)

Primary Fleet

• 13× BambuLab P1S — 210×210×210 mm max build volume (8x8x8 in Cube)
• 11x BambuLab X2D — 210x210x210 mm max build volume (8x8x8 in Cube)
• Minimum 2 mm wall thickness
• Maximum 20 hour print time per peice.
• AMS for multi-color printing

✅ Cheat Sheet: Do’s & Don’ts

Do this:

• ✔ Check units before export
• ✔ Check your Self-Provided filament with a print lab worker.
• ✔ Submit early (especially near finals)
• ✔ Do a small test print for complex models
• ✔ Keep STL files under 250 MB

Don’t do this:

• ❌ Submit jobs in the wrong file format (.3dm, .skp, etc.)
• ❌ Expect same-day turnaround during peak times
• ❌ Buy Filament from non-authorized vendors
• ❌ Ignore geometry errors (open meshes, naked edges)

📚 Helpful Resources

• Rhino STL Export Guide
• PaperCut Login Portal
• PaperCut 3D Print Queue
• SimScale Rhino STL Export Tips
• McNeel Rhino Help Docs