3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process where special printers assemble three-dimensional objects.
How does it work?
A special 3D design file is sent to the printer. The printer reads the file and squeezes out melting plastic through a robotic tip which moves back and forth to create an object layer by layer. Use the library's 3D printer to create replacement parts for unique items, prototypes for class projects or entirely new objects.
1. Create or Find a Design
3D printers work by reading special 3D design files in STL format. You can create your own design using 3D modeling programs or find your own. There are lots of resources to help you create or find a design.
Check out the Resources section below for a list of places where you can find or create your design.
2. Submit Form and Your Design
Once your design is ready, complete the library's online form. Then you can either:
| PLEASE NOTE: We require at least 10 business days (M-F) for processing print requests. Requests received after 12pm on Fridays will not be processed until the following Monday. |
3. Pick-up Your Design and Pay
Once you submit your design, library staff will send you a cost estimate. Each member of the Centennial community has two free 3D print requests per semester. A request is an online submission for a 3D print job. In addition, each free 3D print request must not exceed 12 hours in duration.
If your free 3D print request is longer than 12 hours, then, users are responsible for paying $.50 cents per hour for every hour or part of an hour outside the 12-hour allowance.
Users must agree to the cost in order for printing to begin. Fees are subject to HST which includes model and support materials. The cost will be charged to your library account. You can pay by cash, myCard, credit or debit when you pick up your print job. Jobs are printed on a first-come, first-served basis and pick-up dates cannot be guaranteed. Library staff will email you when your print job is ready.
Check out the resources below to find a design, create a design, and learn more about the 3D printing world.
Sometimes you find an STL file you would like to print but it needs to be edited or repaired. Use the free editors below to repair your file. Learn more about these editors from Sculpteo.
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Interested in using 3D printing in your classroom, but not sure where to start? Contact your Librarian, Muyi Ogunleye (mogunleye@centennialcollege.ca) for support and resources.
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Use 3D printing in the classroom to:
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Students can:
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Free to Make by 
Makers: The New Industrial Revolution by 
The Zero Marginal Cost Society by 
The Knockoff Economy by 
Watch on YouTube
*Full documentary available on Netflix
Want to learn more about 3D Designing and Printing? Please visit our Events and Workshops webpage to access the online 3D Designing and Printing workshop.
