The Library now offers 3D printing to all library users as a pilot service. We can help you print three-dimensional objects in plastic from the file you provide. Please note that our 3D printer doesn’t create industrial quality products.
Printer & File Specifications
| Printer model | Creality CR-10S PRO |
| Nozzle diameter | 0.4mm |
| Filament | 1.75 mm PLA filament |
| Color | Single color printing in white, black, or blue |
| File format | File with STL extension |
| Product dimensions | Maximum 300 (W) x 300 (L) x 400 (H) mm |
| Resolution | 0.2 mm per layer |
| Fill density | Not indicated |
Pricing
Cost is HK$ 1.00 per 200 mm of filament, with a minimum charge of HK$ 20.00.
For example, a model that uses up…
| 500 mm of filament | charges at HK$ 20.00 (minimum charge) |
| 4,000 mm of filament | charges at HK$ 20.00 |
| 4,001 mm of filament | charges at HK$ 21.00 (round up to the next dollar) |
Refunds are not offered for any of the following reasons:
- Print problems or failure caused by the print file or model design.
- Printed objects are not collected within the designated period.
- Routine and small surface defects including bumps or holes.
Turnaround Time
Printing times vary based on the print queue, object size, design, and complexity. Please submit your file at least 2 weeks prior to the date needed. You will receive an email when the object is ready for collection.
Submit a Request
- Read all guidelines here before submitting your request.
- All requests should be made through this online request form.
- We will email you with a cost and turnaround estimate in 3 working days.
Payment
- If you are okay with the cost and turnaround estimate, please print the email and bring it to the User Services Counter (L3) to settle the payment.
- Counter staff will collect your email printout and issue a receipt to you.
- Without your confirmation through a payment, your file will not be printed.
Object Collection
- We will email you again when your object is ready for collection.
- Please bring your staff / student / library card and the receipt to the Multimedia Learning Center counter (L4) to collect your object within 14 days.
- We may dispose the uncollected object after this period.
Policy
It is not permitted to use our 3D printing service to create objects which are:
- In violation of copyright or intellectual property rights.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or considered by library staff to pose an immediate threat to others.
- Considered by library staff to be obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the academic environment.
- For commercial use.
The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request. Requesters are also fully responsible for any legal consequences arising from the printing or objects.
Important Notes
- The Library cannot provide any 3D modeling software or consultation service at the moment. You may refer to the FAQ for useful resources available online.
- Print quality and functionality are not guaranteed. Refer to our refund policy.
- For safety concern, library staff will print the file for you.
- Due to the instability of the current printer, we cannot process print jobs that take more than 8 hours to complete. If you need to print a large object, you may consider separating your model into several smaller ones.
FAQ
3D printing is the process of making a three-dimensional object from a digital model. 3D printers lay down heated plastic in layers to create objects. With this technology, you can create prototypes, replacement parts, and final products. You can print objects from a self-created model, 3D scan, photographs, purchased models, or free-to-use 3D models.
Create it >>
The Library cannot provide 3D modeling software at the moment. You may use the following free software at your own risk:
- Blender – open source 3D animation suite. Enable the 3D Printing Toolbox.
- OpenSCAD – free software for creating solid 3D CAD models. Useful for creating models of machine parts.
- Sketchup – comes in free or pro versions. Get the Sketchup STL from the Extension Warehouse.
- Tinkercad – a browser-based 3D design platform, now part of Autodesk (free version available).
- List of additional free software packages from 3ders.com.
(Source: University Libraries of the University of Arizona)
Download it >>
You may download free models from the internet. Please observe the intellectual property rights of individual models.
(Source: University Libraries of the University of Arizona)
Evaluate it before printing >>
The following free slicer software can help you estimate the amount of time and material your file will consume.
- LulzBot Cura – compatible with the Lulzbot TAZ 5
- Slic3r
- Make Printable – a tool for fixing prints
- 3D Printing Price Check – Calculate how much your print would cost at a variety of pay-for-print services
- 3D modeling for beginners – Shapeways
- How do I make a solid model – Rhino
- How to fix and repair your 3D files – Shapeways
- Tips for designing 3D printed parts – UT Austin Innovation Station
- Other resources for 3D modeling and printing – 3D4U
Our printer produces plastic models that are suitable for functional prototypes, but we cannot guarantee strength or durability.
For further questions, please contact the Digital Initiatives and Research Cluster at libms@hkbu.edu.hk or 3411-5239. Thank you for your cooperation!
Last updated: 24 October 2024