The Tompkins-McCaw Library offers a 3D printing service to the VCU community.  Submit your file to be printed according to the instructions below. You will be notified via email when your object is ready for pickup at the TML Service Desk.

The file you submit to us is exactly what will be printed.  Library staff will not substantially edit your file for printing.

Please make sure your file is set up to be printed on a Lulzbot TAZ 6 printer.

Please submit one object to the print queue at a time.  Requests for multiple copies of the same object substantially reduces turnaround time for all users.

Currently this service is free.

For best results, check your 3D print file before submitting using the Lulzbot edition of Cura which can be found at: https://www.lulzbot.com/cura

Unless you're making your own files from scratch, most users find printable files at 3dprint.nih.gov, thingiverse.com , or numerous other print repositories.

Files which have build time estimates of more than 6 hours will not be printed. Please check your build time in the Cura software before submitting your file.  

The printer can accept files with types: .stl and .obj

Prints will be completed within 3-5 days or sooner depending on demand.  You will receive an email when your print can be picked up at the Tompkins-McCaw Library service desk.

We use PolyMaker PolyLite PLA filament with a 2.85mm diameter. Our printer is a Lulzbot TAZ 6.

Please specify in the notes field which color filament you would prefer, some colors may not be available or there may be different colors due to what is in stock.  Colors include:

• Gray

• White (Currently unavailable) 

• Black (Currently unavailable) 

• Yellow

• Blue

• Green

• Red

Users may 3D print any object for research, education, or personal use so long as the printed objects do not violate VCU campus policies (including prohibition on weapons) and comply with U.S. copyright, patent, and other intellectual policy regulations, which do include specific exceptions for fair use. The printers are intended for educational and experimentation purposes. They may not be used to produce an item or items for sale, or for any other commercial purpose or private financial gain. Nor may be they be used for production-level printing (e.g. many copies of the same thing) without permission. VCU Libraries staff reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.

1. After checking your file for errors and making sure the build time is less than 6 hours, send it to VCU Libraries via VCU Filelocker. Simply log-in with your VCU eID and password.

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   Click on  then write your filament color preference in the "Add Notes to File" field. 

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   Locate your file on your computer by clicking.

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   Under the caption "Uploaded Files" click your file. A new window appears. Click 

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   Select the Tompkins-McCaw Library in the "Users" tab by typing/selecting: libtmlcirc

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   Share your file by checking the two boxes that say "Notify via email" and "CC me with notification" and then click