Use the 3D printers

Innovative Media staff

Profile Photo
Eric Johnson
Contact:
Cabell Library, Lower Level Room 078

Mailing:
901 Park Ave., Box 842033
Richmond, VA 23284-2033

(804) 828-2802
Website

Innovative Media staff

Profile Photo
Ken Hopson
Contact:
James Branch Cabell Library
901 Park Ave
Richmond, VA 23284
804.827.3594
Website

Welcome

Virginia Commonwealth Libraries' Innovative Media department currently maintains three 3D printers:


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 Cura for the Lulzbot, ideaMaker for the Raise, and Makerbot Print for the Makerbot
  • 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