Makerspace

The Library Makerspace has 3D printers available for you to print all kinds of cool projects! Any student, staff, or faculty member can currently print for free. 

Print Your Model

Where is the Makerspace?

The Library Makerspace is located on the second floor of the library across from the whiteboard study areas. The Makerspace includes computers that have maker-centered software (like Adobe CC, Blender, Solidworks, and more), a Flight Simulator (a project of the PC Gaming Club), the Augmented Reality Sandbox (another student-led project), the VR Station (Oculus Rift with a computer for development using Unity), and during open hours, the Lulzbot Mini 2 3D printer.

How do I get involved with 3D Printing?

You can submit your models you designed or remixed for printing any time through our request form (link above). You can also learn more about creating models through our online and in-person workshops and programming. 

Email: makerspace@humboldt.edu

Yeah, but how do I print something?

Basic Info

1. Design or remix a model you want to print in .stl format.
2. Fill out the print request form (link above) and attach your file.
3. Check for any emails from us about your print and pick it up when it's ready!

If you aren't sure how to get or make your model, check out the detailed information below:

File Format

One of the first  things you’ll need is a 3D model file. There are many ways to get a file (which we’ll cover later) but the simplified explanation is that you need a .stl file of your model. This is the stereolithography format which is a standard for 3D printing. If you create a model or download someone else’s, just be sure to download it in .stl format. Almost all programs will have this option, if you have questions or are having trouble converting your model to .stl, get in touch with us: makerspace@humboldt.edu.

In the world of creating 3D models, you will come across an almost endless list of file formats. Generally speaking, models created for use in digital projects (virtual and augmented reality, animation, etc.) will be in formats that are not quite ready to print and won’t necessarily have the structural design to actually be printed (without a little bit of extra work). Some common digital model formats include GLTF (and GLB), PLY, COLLADA, and OBJ. It’s important to note that some of these work fine with 3D printing, but one of the major differences with these formats compared with the functionality required for 3D printing is that the digital formats include image files and other information that determines what the surface of the model looks like. These images and colors make digital renderings come to life and add another level of visual complexity to the models. However, the images won’t show up in a 3D print. When you print a model with a 3D printer, it will generally all be one color (there are, of course, cutting edge printers that give you more options but models are generally printed in one color).

How can I make a Model?

There are quite a few programs that allow you to create a 3D model from scratch. When creating 3D models for printing, people generally use CAD (computer-aided design) programs which allow you to be very precise and create models that will be structurally sound for printing.

Here are a few we recommend:

Web-based CAD Programs

Tinkercad: Great for beginners. Free and includes a wide range of tutorials and projects that you can remix

OnShape: More advanced program that has free personal licenses. Apps are also available in the Google Play and Apple stores.

The Virtual Lab (VLab) provides Cal Poly Humboldt students, staff and faculty software through a virtual web-based environment. The VLab environment is a Windows system that includes many useful programs, including some 3D modeling programs. You can use the VLab with any type of computer- this means that you can run Windows programs on Macs, Linux, or Chromebooks.

CAD programs with free personal/educational licenses

Solidworks: Used in the Cal Poly Humboldt Engineering department. Windows only. Available on Makerspace computers. Also available on the VLab (including cross-platform and off-campus access).

Fusion 360: From AutoDesk, the makers of Tinkercad. Soon to be on Makerspace computers.

Non-CAD programs with free licenses

Blender: an open source program used for creating animated films. Allows for export as .stl files. Available on Makerspace computers. Free and open source.

Google Blocks: create sculptures in VR and export for printing. Available on the Makerspace VR Station. Free.

Supercraft: create sculptures in VR and save it as a webpage where you can record animated gifs and download your model. Available on the Makerspace VR Station. Free.

Where else can I get models?

There is a very robust community of makers who are happy to share their models. Some are available for free for you to remix and/or print. Some are available for a fee. Here are some places we recommend for finding models that you can export as .stl files:

• Tinkercad gallery - copy and remix with one click!
• Thingiverse
• MyMiniFactory
• Turbosquid

Digital Models (can sometimes be converted for print, but are usually intended for digital projects)

• Sketchfab

You can also upload your models to these sites to share with others or to sell! Sketchfab has an app that allows you to view your model in augmented reality.

I have a model. How do I print it?

The Library Makerspace has a couple of ways that you can get in touch with us:
Email: makerspace@humboldt.edu
Print request form
If you are pretty sure you’re ready to print, go ahead and fill out the request form and we’ll get started on your print and/or get in touch with you about any possible issues (for example, we may need to add support structures so the print will come out okay, or we may need to resize your model).

How much does it cost?

Nothing. Currently, we have funding that allows us to pay for your printing costs. Our policy is to accommodate as many people as possible with free prints, so take advantage!

How many prints can I make?

Be considerate of your fellow students, faculty, and staff and make reasonable requests so that everyone can have the opportunity to take advantage of 3D printing through the Makerspace. The number of prints depends on your project:

• is it for an assignment or for personal use?
• did you design or remix your model or did you just use someone's design?
• how long will it take or how labor intensive is it to make your print?
• does your print have a purpose or is just to have?

Keep in mind that this is a tool to help you prototype your ideas rather than mass produce designs that you made or found online. We will consult with you on your request if we have any concerns about fulfilling your request or if we cannot accommodate the number of items you requested.

We want to promote your work

We are happy to help you with your project and would love to hear about how you used your model. If you post anything on social media, be sure to tag @cphlibrarymakerspace or use #CalPolyHumboldtLibrary or #cphlibrarymakerspace.
We may also ask for your permission to share photos of your model when we print it.

The Cal Poly Humboldt Makerspace is happy to help you ideate and prototype your projects but we don't provide full mass production support. If you're looking to make multiple prints of your design or want to explore other materials that we don't support (stainless steel, flexible plastic, etc), there are many companies that provide that service. We do not endorse or recommend any of these, but are sharing some of the more established companies. These are just a few and a quick Google/Bing/DuckDuckGo search for "3D printing services" will provide more options out there.