To submit files for printing, please use the web page and form located at this link. Before printing, please review the web pages contained within this 3-D printing library guide (LibGuide).
3-D printers are capable of processing three-dimensional or 3-D computer models. The models or designs are transformed into physical objects by 3-D printer hardware and software. The objects are printed using a method similar to ink-jet printing, but instead of ink, the 3-D printers use materials such as paper, gold, rubber or plastic (Petronzio, 2013). According to the American Library Association or ALA (2014), the materials are printed layer upon layer until an object is formed. The layering process is called stereo-lithography or additive manufacturing.
The ALA (2014) claims that additive manufacturing is used to print a variety of objects including toys, prosthetic limbs, houses and human livers. To view a quick overview of 3-D printing, watch the Mashable video embedded below.
Reference List
American Library Association (2014, September) Progress in the Making. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/offices/sites/ala.org.offices/files/content/3d_printing_tipsheet_version_9_Final.pdf
Petronzio, M. (2013, March 28) How 3-D Printing Actually Works. Mashable. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2013/03/28/3d-printing-explained/#qW8aVcDuiiqf
The Memorial Library maintains two LulzBot Taz 6 printers and one LuzBot mini printer. For software, the library uses the Cura program, a free open source application that facilitates printing. For more detailed information, view the material located under the "3-D Printer Hardware and Software" tab above.