Library
Welcome to 3D Printing
Guide Overview
The goal of this guide is to provide the uninitiated through the processes of 3D printing on the University of Illinois' Urbana-Champaign Campus. This guide will provide information regarding what you need to print, the process it entails, and where on campus to go for 3D Printing. 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. It should be an educational experience.
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 (LINK) page of this guide.
The IDEA Lab, located in the basement of the Grainger Engineering Library, is the most popular place for engineers across campus; however, there are multiple makerspaces available to those on UIUC campus. To view a map of UIUC printing resources, click here(LINK).
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. The rates are as follows: $4.00 base cost per print + $0.10 per gram of print material.
