How does this work?
- Submit your STL file(s) via the online form.
- We review your order and send you an invoice.
- After payment, we print your design and email when it’s ready for pickup.
How much does it cost?
It’s $0.15/gram of filament, with a $3 minimum charge.
Can I order 3D printing if I’m not associated with UF?
Yes! Everyone can use this service.
Where can I find free files to 3D print?
Check out Thingiverse and Printables. Chat with us during Open Lab if you’d like help selecting a quality file.
What are the maximum print dimensions?
Our Prusa MK4s have a maximum build volume of 250 × 210 × 220 millimeters (9.84 × 8.3 × 8.6 inches). Our Prusa XL has a build volume of 360 × 360 × 360 millimeters (14.17 × 14.17× 14.17 inches). Larger jobs can be printed in parts and then fused together.
What filaments and colors do you offer?
Since we’re a public workspace, we’re limited to non-toxic PLA (polylactic acid) filament. PLA is a bioplastic made from corn starch or sugar cane. We stock a variety of colors.
Can’t I just provide my own filament?
No, sorry. Talk to us if you have concerns about pricing.
Do you have resin/SLA 3D printing?
No, sorry, it’s toxic and messy and requires advanced ventilation. UF student Jaden Nosse offers high-quality resin 3D printing at reasonable prices; check out The Resin Prince on Instagram or email him for a free quote. There’s also the UF DCP Fab Lab.
Where are the 3D printers located?
All 3D printers are housed in the Makerspace at Marston Science Library. Stop in during Open Lab to check them out.
Where do I pick up my finished order?
If you’ve paid and then received a “3D order ready for pickup” email, visit the main floor service desk whenever the Marston Science Library is open.
Is it automatically charged to my ONE.UF account, like paper printing?
No, after we slice your files and calculate the price, you’ll receive an an invoice via email to pay with debit/credit. Remember we don’t start printing your order until you pay.
What should I put in the Special Instructions box?
You can confirm your desired dimensions in inches or millimeters, specify infill pattern and density, indicate support preference (organic/tree, snug, grid, touching buildplate only, etc.). You can also tell us what your 3D print will be used for!
Can you scale my file up or down?
Certainly! Add your specifications in the Special Instructions box. For example: “Scale up 125%”
What software do you use to slice the files?
We use the latest version of PrusaSlicer.
Can I 3D print a model in multiple colors?
Yes! For a simple color change at a certain layer (like a blue keychain with white embossed text), add your request in the Special Instructions box and we’ll see if it’s feasible.
For complex multi-color models, we can 3D print in up to 5 different colors on our Prusa XL machine. However, you will need to digitally “paint” the STL file as desired and then provide us the 3MF file:
- Download PrusaSlicer software. It’s free and you can skip the step for creating an account.
- In the PrusaSlicer Configuration Wizard:
- Under Prusa Research (FFF Technology Printers), select “Original Prusa XL – 5T Input Shaper” with 0.6mm nozzle
- Under Filaments, select Type: PLA > Vendor: Printed Solid > Jessie PLA
- Making sure you’re in “Expert” mode, use the “Multimaterial painting [N]” tool to designate different colors on your model. Documentation here. If you bring your laptop with PrusaSlicer to the Makerspace during Open Lab, we may be able to provide guidance on the painting process.
- Save as a 3MF file at File > Save Project As…
Can I estimate the price before submitting an order?
Our course! To play with settings and estimate our price, set up PrusaSlicer software with the presets for our 3D printers and filament. It’s free and you can skip the step for creating an account. In PrusaSlicer’s Configuration Wizard:
- Under Prusa Research (FFF Technology Printers), select:
- Original Prusa MK4 Input Shaper w/ 0.4 mm nozzle (for most models)
- Original Prusa XL – 5T Input Shaper w/ 0.6 mm nozzle (for very large and/or multi-color models)
- Under Filaments, select Type: PLA > Vendor: Printed Solid > Jessie PLA
Once the STL file(s) are loaded onto the plate in PrusaSlicer, with the appropriate printer and filament presets already loaded, we typically use 0.20mm SPEED and 15% infill as our default. In the left-hand toolbar, you can adjust the scale and orientation, select which face to place on the bed, cut the model into parts, etc. We add supports only when necessary – PrusaSlicer will display an error if it thinks you should enable supports.
Click the “Slice now” button in the bottom-right to convert the the model into printable G-CODE. “Used Filament (g)” will be displayed under “Sliced Info” – we charge $0.15/gram.
Can you repair my 3D printer?
No, sorry, that is beyond the scope of our space. You’re welcome to bring your 3D printer to Open Lab and use our tools to DIY. You might find assistance at another great local resource: Gainesville Hackerspace. They hold a weekly open house on Tuesday evenings, starting at 7 PM. Non-members are welcome during open house, with plenty of helpful folks ready to assist.
Do you offer a 3D scanning service too?
No, sorry, that is beyond the scope of our space. However, the UF Libraries have Revopoint POP2 3D scanners available for 7-day checkout; browse our Take-Home Equipment page to learn more. Additionally, newer iPhones are LiDAR-capable, using apps like Scaniverse, Polycam, and EM3D.
Do you offer any 3D printing workshops/classes?
Not at this time, but hopefully in the future!