3D Printing: Re3D Printing Home

Featured Filament Color:

Prusament Vanilla White

You will need to submit your updated .stl file, .obj file, or .print file through our 3D Printing Request Form. A  .print file is preferred, as this allows you to format the print specifically as you want before submitting it to us. For more information see the software tab.

Designated library staff will look over the file to see if there are any obvious problems that need to be addressed. Please refer to our Helpful Hints Before You Print section, on the right of this screen, to make sure your design is printer-friendly before you submit your file.

• Occasionally, print jobs will fail, so there may be delays in completion, but every effort will be made to meet the anticipated deadline.

You will receive an email when your 3D Printing Request is scheduled, a second email when the job is printing, and a third email when your request is completed.  Once you've received the third email, you can pick it up from Reed Library at your convenience near the Service Point across from the entrance of Reed Library.  3D Prints will be available in "Re3D To Go" bags on a small table to the left of the "Reed To Go" library materials pickup area.  No FredCard is needed for pickup, just look for the bag with your name on it and you're all set!

3D printing is the process of creating a physical object from a digital model. This is typically done through the use of a 3D printer which lays down many thin layers of material.

3D printing is useful to anyone and can be used to create low-volume custom prototypes. For example, models for class projects, testing design ideas, creating visual aids, and creating components to incorporate into larger-scale models. These ideas can be applied to many fields of study, from the sciences to the arts. The possibilities are endless, limited only to the size of the printer and your imagination.

• What size can objects be printed?
  • The MakerBot Replicator+ print bed is 11.6"x7.6"x6.5"

• Who can use the 3D printer?
  • Anyone who is affiliated with The State University of New York at Fredonia. 3D printing is not available for the general public.

• What type of software should I use?
  • Please see the Software tab. You can use any design software you like, but all files must be an updated as a .stl, .obj, or .print file.

• Which file formats are accepted?
  • All files must be in a .print, .stl, or .obj file format. Users can upload their files into the MakerBot Print software to determine the correct size, orientation, etc. of their print and "save project as..." into a .print file to submit. This saves your file with all of the correct settings you would like and ensures your file will be printed correctly.

• How much does it cost?
  • Currently, 3D printing is free.

• Whom should I contact for additional assistance?
  • Questions and requests can be directed to Reed3D@fredonia.edu
• What do you mean by Recycled PLA?
  • PLA is a biodegradable, compostable, plastic made from fermented corn starch, but it's not recyclable in the traditional sense. Recycling centers generally lack the equipment to process PLA, as it is different from the standard plastics they process. All of our waste PLA generated from support material or failed prints is saved to be recycled by a specialized recycling plant or composted. None of our PLA goes in the trash. To further reduce our impact, we have switched our PLA to Prusament recycled PLA. This PLA is made from the bits of plastic and loose ends that the factory has from past orders. These bits that would otherwise have been wasted are melted down together to form a new spool of PLA filament. Because the PLA is made from leftovers, we can't control the color, which consists of whatever scraps they had mixed together when they made it. The current spool seems to be a shade of black with small silver sparkles.

• Make sure your design fits on the print plate (11.6" x 7.6" x 6.5").

• To keep the amount of material down, you can scale down your object.

  • OR lower the infill; however, doing so will make the print less durable, and lowering too much could cause print failure.

• For more questions check out the FAQ tab.

Individuals who use the Library's 3D Printers must comply with University and Reed Library Policies.

Specifically, the library's 3D printer may not be used to create materials that are:

• Prohibited by local, state or federal law.

• Prohibited by University Policies.

• Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.

• Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the campus environment.

• In violation of intellectual property rights.

The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.