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3D Printing at UIUC

A brief guide to 3D printing and 3D printing resources on and around the UIUC campus brought to you by the IDEA Lab.

Welcome to 3D Printing At UIUC

Guide Overview

The goal of this guide is to provide a thorough over of the processes of 3D printing. Additionally, this guide will introduce the reader to the resources available all around Urbana-Champaign with an emphasis placed on the resources and practices of the IDEA Lab in the Grainger Library. This guide will provide information regarding what you need to print, the process it entails, where on campus to go for 3D Printing, and what resources we have within our collection of literature and guides to help you. This guide focuses on the resources and expertise available through the IDEA Lab, although additional resources, both virtual and brick and mortar, will be provided. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide.

3D Printing

The term "3D printing" encapsulates a variety of additive manufacturing processes that creates a three-dimensional object from a Computed Aided Design (CAD). The two most popular processes of 3D printing are FDM and Resin printing. To learn more about how the processes work, go to the 3D Printing Basics page of this guide.

3D Scanning

3D scanning, or photogrammetry is the process of using technology to store and edit information about physical objects in the real world. Photogrammetry allows users to translate physical objects into digital models by scanning the object (this can include human bodies or art). These scans can be turned into .stl files to be edited in CAD software, put on display in a digital setting, or directly printed with a 3D printers for easy replication. The IDEA Lab is leading the way on studying how 3D scanning and photogrammetry can be implemented across our campus and community.

There are multiple makerspaces available to UIUC on campus spread out between multiple departments and libraries. The IDEA Lab, located in the lower level of the Grainger Engineering Library, is the most popular place for engineers across campus and has authored this libguide.

3D printing could help you make, prototype, or test any design that comes to your imagination. 3D printing is quickly becoming an integral part of many key industries across the world. From dentistry and medical applications to table-top gaming, 3D printing is taking the world by storm and revolutionizing manufacturing on all scales. That being said, some designs are more 3D printer friendly than others. If you ever need to talk to someone, please feel free to schedule a consultation.

Yes, it will cost you to use the 3D printing hardware across campus. This will depend on where and how you print, but at the IDEA Lab rates are as follows:  $4.00 base cost per print + $0.10 per gram of print material.

3D Printing Collage

Quick Information

  • Many filaments used in 3D printing are biodegradable.
  • 3D printed models can be melted down and recycled to recreate filament.
  • 3D printing is safe, and with the right equipment, can be done in your very home.
  • You can visit virtual repositories to browse 3D models without designing your own!