Where the 3D printers are and how to get access
Zachry Engineering Building has 3D printers in the Makerspace, located on the first floor near the main entrance. Access requires a valid university ID and completion of a brief orientation session. You do not need to be an engineering student — any current student, faculty member, or staff member can use the equipment.
To get your free guide, visit the Makerspace during open hours and ask a staff member about the orientation. The session covers basic safety, how the printers work, and the file format requirements. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes and you only need to do it once. After that, you can reserve printer time through the Makerspace booking system or use walk-in slots if one is available.
If you are not affiliated with the university, some community members can arrange access through a guest pass, but this varies by semester. Contact the Makerspace directly at the front desk or check the department website for current guest policies.
Key Takeaways
- The Makerspace is on the first floor of Zachry and requires a one-time orientation session before you can print.
- You can reserve printer time in advance or use walk-in slots, depending on current demand and availability.
- Your 3D model file must be in STL or OBJ format, and the Makerspace staff can help you convert files if needed.
- Print jobs can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours depending on size and detail, so plan ahead for larger projects.
- There is usually a small material cost per print based on the weight of plastic used, though rates vary by semester.
Preparing your file before you print
The printers accept files in STL (Stereolithography) or OBJ (Wavefront) format. If your design is in a different format — like a PDF, image file, or a CAD program like SolidWorks or Fusion 360 — you will need to convert it first. Most CAD programs have an export option for STL; if you are unsure how, the Makerspace staff can walk you through it or do the conversion for you.
Before you bring your file in, check the printer's size limits. The printers in Zachry can handle objects up to roughly 8 inches by 8 inches by 8 inches, though exact dimensions depend on which printer you use. If your model is larger, you may need to split it into parts and glue them together after printing, or scale it down. The staff can advise on whether splitting or scaling makes sense for your project.
Also think about wall thickness and support structures. Very thin walls or overhanging parts may fail during printing. The Makerspace staff will review your file before printing and let you know if there are structural problems they can fix or if you need to redesign.
How to book printer time and what to expect
Reservations are made through the Makerspace's online booking system, which you can access from the engineering department website or by asking staff for the link. You select a date, time, and printer, then upload your file. The system shows you how long the print will take based on your model's size and the printer's speed. Most prints take between 30 minutes and 3 hours, though complex or large objects can run longer.
If no reservation slots are open, ask about walk-in availability. The Makerspace keeps some printer time unscheduled for same-day use, especially during slower periods. Walk-in jobs are printed in the order they arrive, so you may wait an hour or more depending on the queue.
When your print is done, the staff will notify you (usually by email if you reserved, or they will call you over if you are waiting). You pick up your object, pay any material fees, and you are done. Do not remove a print from the printer yourself — the staff handle that to avoid damaging the equipment or your object.
Material costs and what materials are available
The most common material is PLA plastic, a biodegradable polymer that is easy to print and comes in many colors. Cost is usually calculated by weight — typically 10 to 25 cents per gram, though this varies by semester and material type. A small object like a phone stand might cost $2 to $5, while a larger project could run $15 to $30.
Some semesters, the Makerspace also stocks ABS plastic, which is stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA but harder to print. If ABS is available, it usually costs slightly more. Ask the staff which materials are currently in stock before you finalize your design, since material choice can affect how your object turns out.
You pay at the time of pickup. The staff will weigh your finished print and calculate the cost. If you are printing multiple objects, each one is charged separately.
Troubleshooting common printing problems
The most frequent issue is a print that fails partway through — the plastic stops coming out, or the object lifts off the print bed and gets tangled. This usually happens because the file has a structural problem, the printer bed was not level, or the model is too large for the printer to handle. The Makerspace staff can usually spot these issues before printing starts and will ask you to fix the file or redesign the part.
Another common problem is rough or stringy texture on the finished object. This is normal for 3D prints and happens because the plastic cools unevenly. You can sand the object smooth after printing, or accept the texture as part of the process. The staff can show you which sandpaper grits work best if you want to finish your print.
If a print fails during the job, you are not charged for the failed attempt. The staff will help you figure out what went wrong and either fix the file or try again. Be prepared to wait a few days if the printer needs maintenance or if there is a backlog of other jobs.
Hours, contact information, and policies
The Makerspace is typically open during regular business hours on weekdays, with limited weekend hours depending on the semester. Check the engineering department website or call the Makerspace directly for the current schedule, as hours change during finals week and semester breaks.
You can reach the Makerspace by phone at the main Zachry Building number or by visiting in person. Staff are usually available to answer questions about file prep, material costs, and scheduling. If you have a complex project or need help designing something for 3D printing, ask if they offer design consultations — some semesters they do, some they do not.
A few policies to keep in mind: you cannot bring your own materials or use the printers outside of scheduled times. Objects must be safe and legal to print — no weapons, no items designed to harm people or property. If you are printing something for a class project, check with your instructor about whether the Makerspace counts as an approved resource, since some courses have specific requirements about where work is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch my print while it is running?
Yes, you can stay in the Makerspace while your object prints, though most people do not because it takes a long time and is not very interesting to watch. The printer will finish on its own, and staff will let you know when it is done. Do not touch the printer or the print while it is running.
What if I need my print done by a specific deadline?
Book your time as early as possible — the reservation system usually opens two to three weeks ahead. If you are cutting it close, ask the staff about walk-in slots or whether they can fit a rush job in. There is no may provide, but they will do their best if the printer has availability.
Can I print something that is not for a class?
Yes. The Makerspace is open to anyone with university affiliation for personal projects, hobbies, or side work. Just follow the same booking process and pay the material cost. The only restriction is that the object has to be safe and legal.
What happens if my print comes out wrong or breaks?
If the printer failed and it was not your file's fault, you are not charged and can try again. If the print succeeded but you do not like how it turned out, you can reprint it, but you pay for the second attempt. If your object breaks after you pick it up, that is on you — the Makerspace is not responsible for damage after handoff.
Do I need to know CAD or 3D design to use the printer?
No, but you do need a file to print. If you do not know how to design something, ask the Makerspace staff if they can recommend free design tools or point you toward tutorials. Some staff members may also help with simple designs, though this is not may provide.