ISU Libraries MakerLab: 3D Printing

Idaho State University Libraries provides 3D printing technology as part of a mission to provide resources and services that support and advance the education and scholarship of ISU students and faculty. University Libraries is strategically positioned to provide a place for collaboration, offering new and emerging technology to the ISU community, promoting student success, and nurturing creativity and discovery with state-of-the-art tools.  In order to provide optimal service to the ISU community, ISU Libraries adheres to the following regulations and policies.

The 3D printer is to be used for lawful purposes only. Failure to comply with the policies listed below can result in the rejection of future 3D print requests. No one is permitted to use the 3D printer to create material that is:

• Out of compliance with Idaho State’s IT Acceptable Use policy.
• In violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• In violation of the ISU Weapons policy.
• Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
• Obscene, pornographic, or otherwise inappropriate for the University environment.
• A risk to or endangers others.
• In violation of another’s intellectual property rights as covered by copyright, patent, and/or trademark protections.

Limitations include:

• Only .stl file formats will be accepted.
• At this time, the library’s 3D printing is limited to the maximum size per piece: 29.5 L x 19.3 W x 16.0 H cm [11.6 L x 7.6 W x 6.3 H in.]. 
• Only PLA (polylactic acid) plastic is available for printing.
• This service is designed for rapid prototyping, not production. Large number print jobs of identical objects will not be accepted.
• ISU Libraries is not responsible for failed models.
• Since 3D printing is a relatively new technology, often, layers of 3D printed objects are visible or there are bumps and irregularities.
• Many structures with overhangs must be built with support structures attached. Removing supports can affect the level of quality of a print.
  • Removing supports is not the responsibility of the ISU Libraries staff.

To request a print, fill out the 3D print request form.

For more information on finding, designing, and/or requesting a 3D print, go to ISU Libraries 3D Printing.

The cost of 3D print models is based on weight.  University Libraries will charge $.05 per gram for models weighing more than 20 grams.  For models weighing from .01 to 20 grams, the cost will be $1.00.  Prints that weigh over 100 grams ($5.00) will require patron approval before the print will be started.

• Maximum print size is 29.5 L x 19.3 W x 16.0 H cm [11.6 L x 7.6 W x 6.3 H in.].
• Payable in cash at the circulation desk upon pickup.
• Cost of print jobs that fail due to design errors will be assessed to the patron.
• Cost of print jobs that fail due to ISU Libraries staff error or to hardware failure is the responsibility of ISU Libraries.

ISU Libraries will assume ownership of completed print jobs not picked up after 7 business days and reserves the right to deny future print requests to that patron.