3D Manufacturing
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is the process of creating a physical object from a digital model. It is also known as additive manufacturing because the physical model is built one layer at a time from the bottom up. 3D printing provides an opportunity for everyone to take an idea from their imagination, design it, and create a physical model. RHPL is actively building a community environment that nurtures creativity while stimulating and supporting learning and innovation.
Click here to learn more about 3D Printing technology!
How can I get something printed?
If you have an item you would like to be 3D printed, please provide us with your 3D model files, and some information about what you’re printing. We will give you a cost estimate, then once you approve the estimated cost of the print, your print will be added a queue and we will contact you when your prints are ready to be picked up. Your prints can be paid for at the circulation desk or using our online paying method.
Click here to send us your 3D Model for printing.
Please click here to review the 3D Printing Policy before you send your model.
All prints typically cost $.20 cents per gram. Users will also incur a fee of $.50 cents per hour beginning at 4 hours. This may change according to material type. Once your print has completed, it will be weighed to determine the total cost.
What software is available to create 3D models?
We recommend the free, browser-based program called Tinkercad for beginners. Other free programs are Blender and Sketchup. Designs can also be downloaded from Thingiverse, a design community for sharing 3D printable objects.
Whenever we’re open, we’re happy to show you our 3D printers, and answer any questions you have about this fascinating technology!