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Use the 3D printers

Welcome

The Workshop in the Virginia Commonwealth Libraries currently maintains three 3D printers:
 

Image of Prusa MK4
Prusa MK4
MK4 Detailed Instructions
Makerbot Method X
Method X Detailed Instructions
Raise3D N2+
N2+ Detailed Instructions


These printers can be found in The Workshop in James Branch Cabell Library, in room 078 of the lower level.  Supporting 3D design and conversion software is installed on several workstations in The Workshop.  These printers are made available to encourage a spirit of exploration and experimentation by the VCU community with this newly-accessible form of design and production.  We hope that you will share your experience (and models) as part of the growing community of 3D printer practitioners, makers, and others interested in the technology.

Steps to Using The Workshop's 3D Printers

1

Download or create a 3D model

 

2

Choose the printer that you want to print on

 

3

Attend an orientation for the printer

 

4

Reserve time on the printer

 
  • Use The Workshop's reservation calendar to block out time for your print
  • Reserve the printer for the full length of time it will take to print your object, plus add a bit more time in case of any snags
  • When you arrive to The Workshop for your reservation time, stop by the front desk to 'check out' the printer

5

Prepare your object using a slicing program

 
  • 3D models (generally file types .stl and .obj) need to be loaded into a slicing program, which prepare the model to be printed using g-code
  • In The Workshop we use PrusaSlicer for the MK4, Makerbot Print for the MethodX and IdeaMaker for the N2+
  • The slicing program is also where you control the quality and other elements of the print
  • Instructions for using a slicing program are detailed in the orientations and in our instructions

6

Print and enjoy

 
  • Set up the printer using our detailed instructions
  • At this time, all 3D printing at The Workshop is free to everyone in the VCU community