3D Printing Request Page

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers operate by printing melted plastic line by line, layer by layer.

Stereolithography (SLA) 3d printing operates by using light, to harden resin, layer by layer.

Our immediate policies, little to no exception.
  • We do NOT print objects that will take over 24 hours to print.
    • Prints requests that are sent in mass, such as 8 objects that are all each 24 hours, may be requested to decrease the size the prints as a whole. It is unfair for our lab to reserve an entire printer for over several days to finish a single request.
  • We do NOT print objects that take over 1KG of Filament
  • Request your print within FIVE business days to be guaranteed a finished print.
    • Prints that take over 24 hours, cannot physically be done when the request was sent the night before.
  •  [FDM ONLY] Your requested print’s smallest wall must be at least 2.0 mm thick.
  •  [SLA ONLY] Your requested print’s smallest wall must be at least 0.8 mm thick

Please refer to our Estimate Print Cost with the Prusa Slicer, this will determine the estimated time for your prints and filament values.

FDM 3D Printers we use in the Lab.

Brand Model Qty Build Volume (LxWxH)*
Prusa Core One 3 240 x 210 x 260 mm
Prusa XL 6 350 x 350 x 350 mm
Prusa MK4 3  240 x 200 x 210 mm
Prusa i3 MK3S 5 240 x 200 x 210 mm

SLA 3D Printers we use in the Lab.

Brand Model Type Build Volume (L × W × H)
Formlabs Form 3+ SLA (Resin) 132 × 132 × 180 mm

During Finals and Project deadlines, while we have more Prusa Xl’s than the rest, these printer are typically printing 24-hours nonstop, with multiple requested queued following. Prints that are smaller generally have the fastest print time, if your print is fairly large, splitting it in half may be an alternative to get your print back faster.

Scaling Geometry for Printing

Unsure if your model is scaled appropriately for one of our machines? Download our Rhino 3D Print Template, which includes the build volumes for each of our printers modeled as a wireframe box. You can paste your geometry into one of these templates, which will convert your geometry to millimeters and allow you to fit it to one or more of our printers.

Available Filament [FDM]

Brand Diameter Type Stocked Colors Cost/g
eSun 1.75mm PLA White, Gray, Silver, Black $0.03
Generic 1.75mm PLA Clear $0.04

Students may bring their own filament upon request, please discuss this with a worker inside of the lab. There is a schedule on the front door, please refer to our hours of operation.

Available Resin Colors [SLA]

Color Type Cost per mL
Clear SLA Resin $0.15
White SLA Resin $0.15

Estimating Print Cost

To determine the cost of your print, you are free to submit a request following the link at the bottom of the page. State CLEARLY in the description you would like to see the price before hand. Our offerings are fairly one to one, with the price of filament we purchase. At $0.03 grams, if your print is 100 grams, the print will be $3.00. Typically, students request range from 200 to 500 grams, or $6 to $15.

  • Please discuss with a lab worker for the most accurate cost.

Cost for FDM

If you would like to determine the cost on your own, use the formula [Filament price] * Grams = Cost

To determine the amount of filament, follow the steps below.

  1. Use Prusa Slicer, refer to this link here: Prusa-Download
  2. Upon Setup, you will be asked to pick a printer, refer to the table at the beginning of the page, use the 0.4mm nozzle if it asks.
  3. Choose generic filament, PLA, [this does not matter to much to determine cost]
  4. Drop in your .STL, ensure that the size is appropriate.
  5. Refer to the top of the screen and input the following
    1. Supports -> Everywhere
    2. Brim -> On
    3. Infill -> 15%
    4. Infill -> Cubic
  6. When complete, click Slice
    • At this point, ensure that the print looks correct to your liking.
  7. At the bottom right, there is a handful of information, refer to “Grams Used” and “Time to Print”
  8. Follow the formula [Grams] x [Cost of filament] = Total price

An alternative is to use a web-based program.

  1. Use this site ViewSTL
  2. Drag in your file.
  3. View the mm^3 volume value.
  4. Use this formula [Volume in mm^3] * 0.0000372 = Total Price.
    • *Note: This is slightly less accurate, it does not include the supports, assume this is the bare minimum cost.

Cost for SLA

  1. Use the Web-Based Program ViewSTL
  2. Drag in your file.
  3. View the mm^3 volume value.
  4. Use this formula [Volume in mm^3] * 0.00015 = Total Price.
    • *Note: This is slightly less accurate, it does not include the supports, assume this is the bare minimum cost.

Printing Form

If you have 3D requested a print in the past, refer to the link below to submit another one.

If you have not 3D printed before, we highly recommend that you set up a Consultation Session and work with a staff member to ensure your geometry is ready for printing. You are More than welcome to also walk into printing lab and knock on the door when a worker is in, we are happy to help. There are various considerations that might affect the success of your print, including those outlined on the 3D Printing Guidelines page.

Crunch time restriction: The maximum print time allowed per print will be 24 hours. Students may only occupy one machine at a time unless multiple machines are available (no queue) and the total print time on all occupied machines will be under 24 hours. Otherwise multiple requests from the same student will be processed sequentially.

Important: FDM and SLA Are Not the Same, ensure you request the correct option

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

  • Best for larger models, prototypes, cases, enclosures, and general-purpose parts.
  • More budget-friendly.
  • Visible layer lines, but strong and versatile.

SLA (Stereolithography / Resin Printing)

  • Used for high-precision, small, detailed objects such as miniatures, jewelry prototypes, and complex geometry.
  • Significantly more expensive due to resin cost and post-processing.
  • Produces smooth, highly detailed surfaces.

Please choose the printing method that best fits your project — they serve different purposes and have different costs.

 

All 3D Print Requests will be handled through the CAP Digital Fabrication Service Request form within the BSU Helpdesk system. Click the button above to open the form.