Makerspace: 3D Printing

Faculty interested in doing a class project with 3D printing can contact the Creative Technologies Librarian. 

Print Area 

Single & Dual Extrusion: 8.9 inches(227mm) x 5.8 inches(148mm) x 5.9 inches(150mm)

Filament

The Makerspace provides a variety of Polylactic Acid (PLA) filaments.  PLA filament is a non-toxic, bio-based industrial thermoplastic that is 100% biodegradable. The 3D Printers can print two colors at time.  

Who can use the 3D Printer? 

In the spirit of making, Tri-County Technical College students, faculty, and staff are welcome and encouraged to learn how to operate the 3D Printing equipment after a safety & training consultation.  To get started with 3D printing, visit the Learning Commons Information Desk.

Printing is completed on a first-come-first-served basis, however, 3D models being printed for coursework take priority over other printing projects.

Safety 

• All operators must attend a safety & training consultation prior to using the 3D printers. 
• Your safety is our priority.   Notify staff immediately with any safety questions or concerns.  
• 3D printers have motorized and heated parts. With that in mind, here are some guidelines to stay safe:
  • Do not directly touch the print bed or hot end nozzle while in use or up to 20 minutes after use.  The print bed and hot end nozzle are heated to over 400°F and can cause burns if directly touched.  
  • Do not hover over the machine while it is running to avoid direct contact with potential particle emissions.  
  • Secure long hair, clothing, or jewelry that could potentially get caught in the moving parts of the printer.
  • Mind your fingers!  When the printer is running, ensure your fingers are not near any moving parts!
  • Keep acetone, rubbing alcohol, and other chemicals that may release flammable particles away from the printers while they're in use and on.   

Terms of Use & Copyright

• Current Tri-County Technical College students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to operate the 3D Printers after Consultation.
• All Tri-County Technical College Learning Commons patrons must respect the health and safety of the Tri-County Technical College community and abide by all applicable laws, College policies, and College weapons policies.
• Tri-County Technical College abides by the copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). These laws govern photocopying or creating other reproductions of copyrighted materials. All users of the TCTC Learning Commons 3D printers must abide by copyright laws.
• Tri-County Technical College Faculty and Staff reserve the right to deny any print request for any reason.
• 3D Print Requests for Tri-County Technical College coursework will take priority over personal printing projects.  
• 3D Prints may contain slight imperfections. Tri-County Technical College staff are not responsible for removing supports, rafts, and cleaning completed prints, but we will guide you on 

Cost

Currently, there is no cost to Tri-County Technical College students, staff, or faculty for 3D printing services in the Learning Commons.    

Quality Control

3D Printers are very accurate, however, objects with multiple pieces or moveable parts may not be fully operable. Slight imperfections may occur such as small bumps, holes, or rough edges.  Additionally, certain 3D prints will require supports and rafts.  The user can easily remove supports and rafts.  Learning Commons staff will not remove supports and/or rafts, but the Learning Commons does provide filing tools to remove supports and/or rafts.  

If a misprint occurs in the initial print, Learning Commons staff will reprint the 3D print request.  If an error occurs again, Learning Commons staff will recommend suggestions and/or edits to the print.

Contact

For questions, please contact Brittany Harrell at bharel2@tctc.edu or 864-646-1863.